"To remember well, go through three stages"... What is the technique shared by a 40-year brain doctor?

Experiencing memory loss and severe forgetfulness is a natural part of aging. Is there a way to maintain memory?

Professor Gary Small of Hackensack University, who has been researching the brain for over 40 years, said in an interview with the American weekend news magazine 'Parade' that "people have much more control over their memory retention and brain health than they think," and introduced a simple three-step technique for maintaining memory.

 

He said, "The various ways to compensate for age-related memory decline can be summarized in three words," and that "seeing, taking pictures, and connecting are exactly that."

 

"Looking" means to focus attention. He explained, "The biggest reason people forget is because their attention becomes distracted, so they fail to learn the information from the beginning."

"Taking a 'snapshot' means to leave a picture in your mind. He said, 'Later, mentally take a snapshot of the information you want to remember,' and added, 'Through this, we can utilize the brain's natural ability to remember visual information.'"

 

The final step, "Connecting," involves linking snapshots in the mind to give them personal meaning. He said, "If you can create something meaningful, it will become a memorable experience."

 

The three-step habit to enhance memory is theoretically excellent, easy, and even pleasant to listen to. However, applying it in daily life can be challenging. Professor Small provided specific examples focusing on situations where people feel most uncomfortable due to memory impairments.

 

He said, "Applying this technology to common memory impairments such as remembering names or faces is easy," and "If you have difficulty remembering the names of people you've met before, using this three-step technique can help."

 

He said, "If you meet Lisa and she has the Mona Lisa's smile, keep that image in your mind. Then, the next time you meet her, you'll be able to call her by her name."