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Help! Memory Fading...

Posted: 10:52PM Oct 30, 2011
BobbyRiggs*
Posts: 3


Hi, all.

I'm new here. I joined in order to improve my memory. I started playing the memory test ( numbers version) and made progress for a while. The most numbers I have ever memorized there is 16 digits, but I often do not get much past 12. It took me a long time playimg the game before i could get past 11. I am very worried about my memory, particularly my short term memory. I walk into a room and forget why I'm there, or forget if I've just taken my vitamins, etc, or left the stove on after I've left the house, etc.

I didn't use to be this bad and I'm worried that I'm really losing my memory. I had a friend play the memory number game and he easily memoried 26 characters. Is that "normal" or is is my score more "normal"? I have ben using the chunking technique, but is only seems to help me so much.

What can I do to improve my short term memory problem? All advice is greatly appreciated!
Posted: 10:28PM Oct 31, 2011
Avatar for Shadows ShadowsAca
Posts: 4784

I think your friend just has a really good memory. The farthest I've ever gotten is 10 for numbers and 11 for letters, but then again, my memory's not great, either.

When it comes to forgetting things like whether you've just taken your vitamins, the best advice I have is to be more alert and attentive while performing everyday tasks. Perhaps you've become so accustomed to certain actions that you no longer feel the need to remember them.

If it makes you feel better, keep in mind that an average human can remember 7 digits without chunking.

EDIT: Welcome to Braingle, by the way!


---This message was edited on 10:29PM Oct 31, 2011---
Posted: 07:35AM Nov 1, 2011
Avatar for bradon182001 bradon182001gus
Posts: 15705

Yes, welcome to Braingle. Shadows is right about routine things being difficult to remember unless you make a conscious effort to remember. We clutter our minds with many routine actions, pretty soon they become habit, and just get done. It's when we stop and think "did I take my vitamin" that we realize this. It's a normal part of being human, I think.

Having said that, the fact that you continue to practice on memorizing as a way of stimulating your brain, I think that's wonderful. Perhaps I need to start doing that. However, by becoming active on this site, by taking advantage of everything that Braingle has to offer, you will give your mind a work out and have a lot of fun as well.


Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil. J. Paul Getty
Posted: 05:11AM Nov 8, 2011
BobbyRiggs*
Posts: 3

Thanks, Bradon and Shadows. I appreciate the feedback and I think you are both correct; I need to pay attention to eveyday activities ("be in the moment" some peoiple say ) more in order to realize what I'm doing. The mind does get cluttered easily with too many things if you aren't more careful. Best, Bobby
Posted: 10:34PM Nov 10, 2011
Avatar for spud spudAnz
Posts: 1231

When you are finished isn't there a graph with an average line and then a line with your score?
Please correct this if I am wrong.
By the way I think your friend just has a really good memory, I can do 12 easy!!!! Remember it also depends on how old you are.


Check out my wiki.
Posted: 09:07AM Nov 27, 2011
CrazyPineapple*
Posts: 39

BobbyRiggs wrote:

Hi, all.

I'm new here. I joined in order to improve my memory. I started playing the memory test ( numbers version) and made progress for a while. The most numbers I have ever memorized there is 16 digits, but I often do not get much past 12. It took me a long time playimg the game before i could get past 11. I am very worried about my memory, particularly my short term memory. I walk into a room and forget why I'm there, or forget if I've just taken my vitamins, etc, or left the stove on after I've left the house, etc.

I didn't use to be this bad and I'm worried that I'm really losing my memory. I had a friend play the memory number game and he easily memoried 26 characters. Is that "normal" or is is my score more "normal"? I have ben using the chunking technique, but is only seems to help me so much.

What can I do to improve my short term memory problem? All advice is greatly appreciated!


You might have started developing Alzheimer's. It is common in people older than 60 years of age, but can happen earlier.
Posted: 09:17PM Dec 1, 2011
Avatar for spud spudAnz
Posts: 1231

Anyways don't be worried you can always keep taking the test everyday or so as you can always improve it, but 26 that is a lot, I have NEVER heard of anyone doing that many numbers before as the average is about 8/9ish so you are doing pretty well getting up to 11, but remember that you can always improve your score.

Check out my wiki.
Posted: 07:13AM Dec 5, 2012
Avatar for Faith511 Faith511glk
Posts: 277

Hello and welcome! As you gt older it is common to lose some memory. Just work on expanding it, practice everyday, and pray to God that your memory will expand. If it is his will your memory will get better!

peace will win, fear will lose
Posted: 06:29PM Dec 6, 2012
Avatar for HarryPutter HarryPutterbca
Posts: 3069

It's too late...Bobby forgot to log back in.

Index for WW/WTB databases - https://ksteven.github.io/playground/ (Data refreshed: 2021-12-07)
Posted: 07:52PM Dec 6, 2012
Avatar for fishmed fishmedAus
Papa Fish
Posts: 2303

Welcome, one and all!!!

I wish I could sleep... but my mind starts to wander, and well, basically, one sheep, two sheep, cow, turtle, duck, Ol McDonald had a farm... HEEEY Macarena!!!
Posted: 11:36PM Dec 10, 2012
Avatar for RGW4 RGW4Aus
Posts: 2505

It's ok Harry... welcoming people who came and went makes people feel good that they took the time to at least say something, even if the person who started it is now kayaking in the Alasakan wilderness without a computer!

When you Love someone, Love them with all your heart as you never know what can happen today!
Posted: 06:36PM Jul 3, 2013
Avatar for iamsam4 iamsam4Aus
Posts: 98

My best score is only 9.

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