Busting the Myths About Memory Improvement!

Oneword · #1 28th May 2008, 12:03 PM

(This about your own memory; not that of your computer!)

If you want a better memory, don't fall for these myths about memory improvement!

There are so many myths about memory improvement out there, I don't know where to start. There are so many myths about memory improvement out there, I don't know where to start.

Wait -- did I say that already?

If you really want to improve your memory, the tried and true ways are the best. Don't fall for these quick-fix myths!

1. Pills will improve your memory.

Pills can have some positive effect on your memory, but they can't take the place of mental training. Most of these pills are like vitamins for your brain. They're not bad for you, but they're not going to train your body to do anything, either. You have to take the initiative and work your muscles (and your brain, by the way, is one). Pills can help, but they aren't going to do the work for you.

2. Every time I learn something new, I forget something I used to know.

Homer Simpson expresses exactly this sentiment on The Simpsons, following it up with: "Remember that time I learned to make wine and I forgot how to drive?"

"You were drunk!" Marge responds angrily. Sure enough, Marge is right and Homer's wrong. You have an infinite amount of storage space in your brain. Learning something new doesn't take up precious space. Your brain isn't a computer hard drive, it's a muscle. That means that the more you use it, the stronger it gets. So unlike a computer hard drive (which has a pre-established amount of memory and can't get stronger on its own), you have as much space as you need as long as you're using it properly!

3. It's normal for your memory to go as you get older.

No, no, no. Like many other myths about memory improvement, this is less a myth than an excuse! The reason most people's memories decrease with age is because they stop using them! Think about it: when you were a kid, you were always learning stuff -- for school, at home, in sports. When's the last time you actually sat down and tried to do something new?

I keep saying it, but your brain is a muscle. Without exercise, it atrophies. If you don't want a flabby brain, you have to use it!

4. Some people are just born with good memories.

It's true that some people do naturally have better memories than others. That doesn't mean you naturally have a bad memory, though, or that you shouldn't seek to improve it. Not everyone has a natural aptitude for reading, but we're all capable of learning to read. Some people excel naturally. Others have to work a little harder.

Memory's the same thing. You might not have a natural aptitude for memorization, but if you put in some effort, you can defeat these myths about memory improvement and set yourself on the course to success!

Scambusters