Why do we forget thoughts? The brain limitations behind memory loss

Forgetting what we were just thinking about is a common experience. Whether it’s walking into a room and forgetting why we’re there, or starting to speak and forgetting the thought – our brains seem to fail from time to time. This everyday phenomenon is closely related to the way the brain processes and processes information, and much of the reason is due to limitations in working memory.

How memory works

To understand why we forget, it is crucial to understand memory itself. According to Susanne Jaeggi, a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, memory is not a single process, but involves various components. It can be roughly divided into long-term memory and working memory. Long-term memory holds experiences, skills, and knowledge, while working memory temporarily processes thoughts, allowing us to process information in real time.

What is working memory?

Earl K. Miller, a professor of neuroscience at MIT, describes working memory as the sketchpad of our conscious thoughts. It is very limited, holding only four to seven chunks of information at a time. The brain is constantly shifting from one thought to the next, and this constant shifting can easily allow some ideas to slip through the cracks.

Why do we forget?

The main reason we forget is that working memory isn’t designed for multitasking. It’s forced to juggle multiple ideas at once, and it often abandons an idea when its attention is divided. Miller explains that this simultaneous processing is more likely to fail when we’re tired or under the influence of alcohol. In addition, age affects how efficiently working memory operates, with its performance peaking in our twenties and then gradually declining in later life.

Recovering forgotten ideas

One effective way to retrieve a forgotten thought is to recreate the environment in which the thought was formed. Jaeggi recommends returning to the place or retracing your steps, as this can provide the brain with the necessary context to recall what was lost. This technique is helpful because the brain often relies on environmental cues to trigger memory retrieval. In short, understanding how working memory works can help us be more aware of its limitations and take steps to avoid unnecessary forgetfulness.