Page 84 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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know how many clinical, research, teaching, and administrative balls I juggle simultaneously. My
secret? When in doubt, throw it out! This is one motto that has stood me well over the years. I
contrast this approach with that of some of my colleagues who keep wading through mountains of
paper in their offices to try to find what they want; they always seem to be under stress and often
cannot find what they want or need.

But what has this to do with memory? The fact is that you cannot hope to remember every little
message, every small detail that bombards you every day. Clearing the debris in your mind is
necessary in order to absorb and retain new information, just as you need to clean your desk
regularly or clean out a house before you move in. So to keep your memory fit and ready to absorb
new, important information, it is necessary to periodically extinguish useless lists, stickies, messages,
stacks of papers, articles, and magazines.

Tips on Remembering Articles You Read, Talks You Listen To

What is the main point?

Stay focused on this point (or a couple of points).

Exclude the fluff, the unnecessary details.

Get the gist, repeat it several times in your mind.

Age Does Matter

I strongly recommend the day-to-day memory aids and techniques described in this chapter,
particularly if you are in your forties or fifties. Recent clinical studies have shown that if you're in
your sixties to eighties, you may still experience positive effects but to a lesser degree than younger
people. Regardless of your age, the effects will not be immediate and will be seen only after several
months of practice, sometimes even years. While these methods are not a cure for age-related
memory loss, they do form an integral and important component of the Memory Program.

Checklist of Methods to Improve Learning and Recall
Learning New Information Recalling Information
Pay attention. Go slow if you feel overwhelmed.

Increase sensory and emotional awareness. Use associations and links.