Why Can't I Remember Where I Left my Keys?

Article submitted by Kathleen A. Lauren, Ed.D. Rocky Mountain Memory Center, PLLC.
Specializing in Adult Memory Disorders 970-221-1073.

Normal memory lapses or Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI) will affect approximately 30-40% of adults over 65 years of age. Aging causes changes to the prefrontal cortex of the brain that impairs our ability for sustained attention and results in impaired speed and efficiency of our information processing.

Likewise it reduces the amount of information and the length of time we can temporarily store details in
our working memory before they begin to fade off our memory screen. I like to call this process our mental chalkboard. For older adults, unrehearsed information lingers in working memory for only 5-10 seconds!

In general, memory failures are related to either a physical problem, distractibility or relying on haphazard or outdated learning methods used in our youth. An efficient older learner is aware that factors which compete for our attention, such as feeling tired, anxious, overloaded, or distracted by other things going on around us will increase our chances of having a memory lapse and will attempt to schedule activities accordingly. Likewise, they will avoid multitasking.

The use of mental puzzles and computer games is often mentioned as a memory enhancement tool in
attempt to expand our attention and limited working memory capacity. The truth is that simply playing
games that require concentration will not help you remember important names, appointments, or where
you left your car keys. Your efforts are better spent on developing more efficient encoding strategies to
address the specific problems you are encountering in your daily life.

Memory training as opposed to memory enhancement exercises is situation specific. Different memory
failures require different memory strategies. For example, the most common type of forgetfulness is prospective memory loss, or the ability to recall future events, e.g. remembering appointments or to take medications at a specified time. When remembering is critical, the use of external aides such as timers and notes is the most accurate and reliable strategy.

Finally, like all positive habits related to good cognitive health including exercise and diet, efficient learning strategies must be routinely practiced in order to maintain benefits.

Oh, and now you won't forget where you left your car keys, because you will designate a location for
them, and regularly place them there and practice this routine until it becomes a habit.