Incredible facts
Some people have a unique talent for remembering the smallest details after several decades.
However, a new study has shown that even among people with excellent memories, false memories are as common as people with average memory abilities.
False memories are memories of an event or details of an event that did not happen. Psychologists and neuroscientists at the University of California, Irvine, USA, have created a series of tests to determine how false memories influence the formation of memories.
Human memory
People with exceptional autobiographical memory, or “hyperthymesia,” have the ability to remember even small details from the distant past. They can recall their daily activities from mid-childhood with almost 100 percent accuracy.
During the experiment, scientists asked 20 people with exceptional memory and 38 people with average memory to perform word association exercises, recall photos depicting crimes, and discuss memories of United Airlines Flight 93 filming videos on September 11, 2001 (which did not exist). The tasks contained false information to affect the participants' memory.
6 fun ways to boost your memory
Scientists showed volunteers a list of words, then removed it and tested words that were and were not included in the list. The list also included bait words that made participants think about other words. For example, the words pillow, blanket, and nap could lead to a false memory of the word “sleep.”
Participants from both groups succumbed to the baits and, on average, made about 8 mistakes. Both groups also misperformed tasks when they were shown photos with baits that made them remember details that were not there.
The results showed that people with hyperthymesia remake memories just like normal people.
How can I improve my memory?
1. Make associations
For example, if a joke is said in the presence of a certain smell, that smell can later become the key to memory.
2. Clench your fists
Research shows that clenching your right hand can help you remember phone numbers and lists more easily. To remember information, you need to clench your left fist. Such movements activate areas of the brain that are responsible for storing and recalling memories.
3. Study before going to bed
The best way to put memories together is to learn information before going to bed. This way, you'll have fewer new disturbing memories.
4. Speak the alphabet
When you can't remember information, such as an actor's name in a movie, use the alphabet method to find the first letter of a word or name.
5. Drink milk
The researchers surveyed 972 participants about their eating habits and performed several tests on concentration, memory, and intelligence. Those who consumed dairy products 5-6 times a week performed better on memory tests.
Dairy products improve memory
6. Exercise
Exercise improves mental functions, especially memory. Exercise also promotes the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning.
7. Speak loudly
From where you put your keys to what products you need to buy, the best method of remembering is to say it out loud.
8. Memorize in parts
If someone gives you their phone number, it's best to break it down into pieces in your mind. If possible, split long numbers according to a memorable date, such as your friend's age or address.
9. Make hints
If you have to do something at a certain time of the day and forget all the time, use the implementation technique. For example, you can say to yourself, “When I drink my morning cup of tea, I'll take a pill.”
10. Use images
The classic method of remembering a name is to represent it, or what is associated with it, on a person's face.