I remember the good old days. Those days of yore when, before the existence of devices at your fingertips that provide answers, you relied on the memory stored in your brain. When the internet and cell phones allowed you to “Ask Jeeves” and eventually Google, the neurons and synapses in your brain that store memories lost their luster.

As you grow older it seems that forgetting things occurs frequently. I recently got up from the couch to get a soda from the refrigerator. I opened the refrigerator door and stared inside. I could not recall what I wanted. I settled on a handful of blueberries before heading back to the couch. 

The human brain is a complex organ. It is constantly doing things like processing information, forming memories and retrieving them when needed. However, sometimes our memory can play tricks on us that can be both frustrating and intriguing. One such phenomenon is known as the doorway effect. The doorway effect is a cognitive phenomenon where people temporarily forget information after passing through a door or moving from one environment to another. The effect can be particularly noticeable when you enter a room with a specific intent only to forget why you went there in the first place. Scientists have found that the doorway effect is thought to be related to how our brains organize and store memories. When we move from one environment to another our brain perceives this change. As a result, the brain may compartmentalize information associated with the previous environment. That causes you to stand there wondering why you came to the doorway.

 Research done at the University of Notre Dame has shown that walking through doorways caused a temporary disruption in memory. In their experiments participants who passed through a doorway were likely to forget information compared to those who remained in the same room. This finding suggests that our brains may use environmental cues to organize and retrieve memories and changing these cues can lead to memory lapses. The doorway effect has been proven to highlight the complexity of human memory and the various factors that can influence our ability to recall information. It can help us develop a strategy to improve memory retention and minimize the impact of such cognitive quirks.

There are several techniques that have been developed that can help boost memory retention and improve overall cognitive function.

The easiest technique is to stay focused to reduce the likelihood of forgetting information. Being attentive about your surroundings can create stronger memory traces that are less likely to be disrupted by environmental changes. Another way to boost memory is to break information into smaller chunks making it easy to remember. This technique known as “chunking” could effectively aid in remembering lists or phone numbers.  Researchers have also found that using a visual image  makes it easier to recall things. Remember my example when I couldn’t remember why I opened the refrigerator, I could have thought about the image of a bottle of soda instead of a refrigerator.

Experts also say that physical exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for brain health including improved memory and cognitive function. Aerobic exercise, strength training and even yoga can help boost memory retention by increasing blood flow to the brain and promoting the growth of new neurons. A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins can support brain health and improved memory. Also, foods like fatty fish, berries, nuts and leafy greens are particularly beneficial for cognitive function. 

Engaging in activities can challenge your brain and keep your memory sharp. Doing puzzles, daily word games, learning a new skill and even playing musical instruments are examples of activities that can enhance memory retention.

Every morning, I look at my digital version of The New York Times. I focus on the game of “Wordle”, that has become a cultural phenomenon. If you want to know a good 5 letter word to begin playing I suggest “adieu” since you will know immediately if the four vowels are part of the correct answer.

Hudson Cooper is a resident of Sullivan County, a writer, comedian and actor.