Page 93 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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CHAPTER 8

Stress and Depression

BOTH STRESS AND DEPRESSION can cause memory loss. They share one common feature: reduced
attention and concentration with poor registration of the event or episode in the brain. As a result, the
fragments that are recorded do not solidify into a piece of memory. Naturally, such a fragmented
memory cannot be recalled accurately, and sometimes cannot be recalled at all.

The Stress-Memory Connection

A widely accepted definition of stress is that the demands you need to meet exceed your ability to
perform them. While this definition does not cover all types of stress, it is simple and consistent with
what most of us consider stressful in everyday life.

During periods of great stress we tend to make more mistakes than usual and don't remember
things well, such as where we put our keys or tracking our appointment schedules. However, high
stress levels do not always lead to memory loss. For example, most occupants of the White House
have reveled in the challenge and have not broken down under the stress of all the responsibilities
that are thrust upon them. Their stress is offset by the gratification that comes from the power,
importance, and control in the presidential role. Also, these people have a great capacity to withstand
and overcome stress, which is why they became successful politicians in the first place. At the
opposite end of the spectrum, an employee performing boring, repetitive tasks— a postal worker is a
prime exam-