Memory
Frequently Asked Questions…
What is Memory?
Simply put, memory is the mental activity of recalling information that you have either learned and/or experienced. While simple in definition, memory actually results from a complex process that involves many different parts of the brain.
Short vs. Long Term Memory
With short-term memory, your mind stores information for a few seconds or a few minutes. Short-term memory is fragile, and your brain can usually hold an average of seven items in short-term memory, which is why you can usually remember a new phone number for a few minutes, but need your credit card in front of you when you’re buying something online.
Long-term memory involves the information you make an effort (conscious or unconscious) to retain, because it’s personally meaningful to you – memories concerning family and friends, job procedures, information you need during school for a test, things that have made an emotional impression, such as a memory of you have of a pet and so forth are all generally stored in long-term memory. Some information you store in long-term memory requires a conscious effort to recall (e.g., specifics of a past event, or factual data from a report, for example), where other types of memory (such as procedural memory, which involves skills and routines you perform) require little effort in conscious recall.
Memory & The Brain
Certain areas of the brain are especially important in the formation and retention of memory:
- The Hippocampus – a primitive structure deep in the brain, plays the single largest role in processing information as memory.
- The Amygdala – an almond-shaped area near the hippocampus, processes emotion and helps imprint memories that involve emotion.
- The Cerebral Cortex – the outer layer of the brain, stores most long-term memory in different zones, depending on what kind of processing the information involves: language, sensory input, problem-solving, and so forth.
- The Neuro Network – involves communication among the brain’s network of neurons and millions of cells activated by brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Feeding the Mind & Body
Like anything else, healthy memory and cognitive function involves a healthful diet to feed the mind and body – but given most eat a less-than-perfect diet, a quality dietary supplement with key memory and cognitive supporting nutritionals can certainly set a foundation for optimum memory, mental clarity, focus and concentration.*