Ways to improve your memory

Fibromyalgia can include memory loss, forgetfulness, confusion, mixed up words and fibro fog, and are all disturbing cognitive symptoms of this debilitating syndrome.

You have forgotten where you put something,. You can’t pull the right word up when trying to explain something or you use another word, a wrong word, in its place.

You walk into a room and forget why you are there, or look for something you need and have no idea where it could be.

Concentration is limited. Recall is challenging. And it feels like you are in a constant haze, - brain fog.

There is an inability to recall information that becomes a tremendous source of worry and upset. It wasn’t always like this.

So, what is memory anyway?

It is the action of storing and recalling information, data, experience or a sensation that you have learned or experienced. The more connectors, the more likely it is that we may recall that information. The more effort, or concentration, that we put into the process of remembering something, the more likely we are going to remember it.

There are three steps in creating memory - acquisition, consolidation and retrieval.

Acquiring data through experience or

The information enters your brain through neural pathways, is processed and, then, placed in the appropriate location in your brain.

The more focus, intention and concentration involved at this stage of the process, the more likely the information will be retained.

The information is then consolidated.

Once acquired, the information, data, experience or sensation is then stored as long term memory. It passes along neural pathways and is placed in the appropriate storage location in the brain, much like filing in a file cabinet.

This happens most effectively if the data, experience or sensation to be remembered, has a strong emotional connection, or if it is connected to other data, another experience or sensation.

The more the information is stored in different file drawers, by association to like information, associated sensory experience or emotion, the easier to relocate the information in the future.

Retrieval happens when you return to access that information at a later time.

Once the information or experience is filed away in the brain, it is then necessary to return through the same neural pathway to access the information again.

Remember the old saying - Use it or lose it?

There are a number of exercises and techniques that help you create solid memories.

Click here to learn memory exercises and techniques to help with cognitive functioning.

Lifestyle choices also can impact your ability to remember and cognitive functioning -

* Brain healthy habits

* Physical Exercise

* Stress

* Music

* Sleep

* Diet and Nutrition

* Mental exercise