As people get older, it is inevitable for memory changes to take place. There are two major types of memory, the long term memory and the short term memory. For short term memory, it is also referred to as the working memory, since the short term memory is the ones responsible for the recalling of information that have just been heard or seen. Short term memory loss has become very common not just in seniors but also to other people from other age groups. There are remedies and tips that can be followed to help in improving short term memory loss, such as eating memory improvement food, herbal remedies, and many more.

Short Term Memory Component: Length

To fully understand and differentiate short term memory from long term memory, components of short term memory should be discussed. The short term memory practically lasts no longer than 1 second. Through the sensory register, new information will be captured in a flash. Short term memory is anything a person perceives (sees, listens, touches) that will then disappear after 1 second. To make it less confusing, common examples of short term memory are road sign, phone number, stranger’s name, bus number, etc.

Short Term Memory Component: Storage Capacity

Almost all people are not gifted to be able to remember everything and all information that they can come across during their everyday lives. As a matter of fact, short term memory is only capable of retaining at least seven information all at once, and that 7 information can be gone forever in just a matter of seconds. Just like its name suggests, short term memory is almost impossible to be stored in the brain and recalled for at least several years to come.

Short Term Memory Component: Basic Operations

For short term memory, there are 3 basic operations. Each basic operation has its own responsibility in the recalling and storing certain information come across.

• Iconic Memory – for iconic memory, this is responsible for the comprehension and recall of visual images.
• Acoustic Memory – for acoustic memory, this is responsible for the comprehension and recall of auditory information. Retained acoustic memory basically lasts longer than iconic memory.
• Working Memory – this type of memory deals with the immediate use of newly acquired information. Working memory does not transform short term memory to long term memory, but it does challenge the brain to store the newly acquired information immediately or forget it forever.