How can you overcome the 7 Types of Forgetfulness?

Once in a while, we all tend to forget a thing or two. That’s quite normal. Especially with growing age, a few things might slip from the memory scape. But for some forgetfulness might be a more serious issue. So, in this blog, I am going to share 7 types of forgetfulness by Harvard and simple remedies to combat these!

Even healthy people can experience memory lapse with age. But unless forgetfulness becomes extreme and persistent, it’s not considered an indicator of memory-impairing illness. So, let’s see the seven normal memory problems that can occur in any healthy person!

Here are the 7 types of forgetfulness that are quite common – 

Also Read: There are 9 types of intelligence

7 Types of Forgetfulness

Transience

Transience is the tendency to forget facts or events with increasing age. In this type of forgetfulness, you are likely to forget information soon after you learn it. However, if you use the information more often, then you are less likely to forget it. 

It’s the use-it-or-lose-it quality of your memory!

Transience might seem like a sign of weak memory, but it is not. In fact, brain scientists say it is beneficial to forget unnecessary data. This keeps the brain space free for more useful information.

Absentmindedness

This is a very common type of forgetfulness. In this, the memory does not register the information which you didn’t pay attention to. In absentmindedness, you tend to forget where you keep your things because you didn’t mind putting them.

This might happen to anyone. If the mind is busy then it might not register the other events happening. Absentmindedness also involves forgetting to do something at a prescribed time. You are more likely to forget your medicines or keep up with appointments.

Blocking

Memory blocking is another common type of forgetfulness that can put you in awkward situations. It’s the temporary inability to retrieve a memory. In memory blocking, when someone asks you a question, the answer is right on the tip of your tongue, but you can’t get it out.

In many cases, the barrier is a memory that is closer to the one you’re looking for. This competing memory is blocking your way to the information you are looking for. Scientists say memory blocks become more common with increasing age. In this, you find it difficult to remember other people’s names.

Research shows that memory blocks last only for a minute.

Misattribution

Misattribution occurs when you remember only a part of something very accurately but misattribute the other parts. In this, you may forget the details like time, place, names, etc. 

As with several other kinds of memory lapses, misattribution too increases with age. With age, you tend to absorb fewer details when acquiring new information. The trouble with concentration and information processing is another thing that can lead to misattribution.

Suggestibility

Suggestibility is the vulnerability of your memory. This means altering the right information with false information that came from another source.  For example, you may have remembered an incident from your childhood with precision. But others around you suggested something else. Over time your memory may get altered.

The suggestion fools your mind into thinking it’s a real memory. It can happen to anyone when a suggestion might change a distinct or not-so-distinct memory.

Bias

Even the sharpest memory isn’t flawless. Because your perceptions are filtered by your personal preferences. The experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and even your mood may have an impact on casting that memory. 

And when you retrieve that memory, these factors can impact what you recall. This type of memory issue is common to all. Everyone’s attitudes and preconceived notions bias their memories. And there is no research to say if age has to play a role here.

Persistence

Though memory issues are mostly linked to forgetfulness, persistence too can be disturbing. In some cases, people try hard to erase some particular events in their life. The tormenting memories of traumatic events, negative feelings, and fears can be a problem too. 

People suffering from depression, PTSD, or anxiety are more prone to persistent memories. In most cases, these are memories from a disturbing event. People with experiences of sexual abuse or attacks also suffer from persistent memories.

In these cases, therapy with medications can help! 

Also Read: 15 Genius Tips for Memory Protection After 50 to Keep Your Mind Sharp

Ayurvedic Management for 7 Types of Forgetfulness – Simple Tips 

• Include Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, and Vacha – It’s the Best natural stimulator for your mind! and Bhringaraja in your diet. If these herbs are not available then you can go for Ayurvedic tablets containing these ingredients. Switch your sleeping pills with herbs like Ashwagandha and Jatamansi.
• Add ghee, almonds, and milk to your diet. Almonds increase your brain power and can help in curing amnesia. Soak the almonds overnight, peel, grind and mix them with milk. Have these brain-boosting foods early in the morning. 
• Another amazing brain-boosting food is Amla. It’s rich in vitamin C, and antioxidants that protect your brain cells from damage. Amla also strengthens your nervous system, improves memory, and may help in managing Alzheimer’s disease
• Enjoy a relaxing head and body massage every day to destress your nerves. Ayurvedic Treatments like Abhyanga, Nasya, Shirodhara, and Shirobasti can help too.
• Manage stress, anxiety, and depression with yoga, pranayama, and meditation.
• Keep your circulation flowing with a 30 minutes-walk every day.
• Do brain exercises by reading, writing, and playing memory games.
• Avoid eating unhealthy food, especially, processed, packaged, and carbonated ones. Sugar and salt in excess are also damaging. In addition, maintaining a balanced diet supports your brain function.

Conclusion

Forgetfulness is a common trouble that often irks us. In many cases, it’s a natural chronological event. But with the right care and preparation for graceful aging, you can tackle this. Ayurvedic formulas for boosting brain and memory are proven safe and effective. Even research and studies also concur with Ayurvedic recommendations. 

Ayurveda has many solutions and natural remedies for memory issues. From Paediatrics to geriatrics, Ayurveda can help you in having your memories intact. In fact, brain-boosting remedies of Ayurveda are one of the core areas of an Ayurvedic consultation. 

This is an area that is witnessing a huge surge in patients. Be it normal forgetfulness or a memory illness, people are turning to Ayurveda for a holistic cure. And this proves the efficacy of our Vedic science!