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Memory Day – March 21, 2024

Memory Day takes place every year on March 21. The day celebrates the human memory and all that it can achieve. It is also a day to draw attention to the issues caused by memory loss through diseases and conditions like Alzheimer’s and Dementia, which affects thousands of people. Additionally, your memory may not be as good as you think. Keeping multiple reminders and lists on your phone and notebooks, writing on your hand in a sharpie, and walking into a room feeling like you forgot something are things that we all do. Or are they?

History of Memory Day

Memory and the intelligence to use it have been two of the major aspects of humanity that enabled them to evolve and thrive rapidly. It highlights why diseases and conditions that cause memory loss and degeneration are so detrimental to humans. What you may not be aware of is the lesser but no less frightening degree of memory loss that nearly every human is experiencing in today’s world. As technology has developed to fill every space in our lives, we’ve succumbed to a phenomenon known as digital amnesia. Our dependency on filling digital calendars, setting countless alarms and reminders on our phones, and automating our devices to remember things for us have allowed us to forget how to remember.

In May 2015, a company called Kaspersky conducted research into how the internet and the associated devices were changing how people lived their lives. Their study concluded that users experienced a significant loss in terms of their ability to remember small details and personal information because they relied on their phones to do it for them. Some theorized that this lapse in memory resulted in neurons not being stimulated and becoming stagnant, while others argued that their memory was freed up for the truly important things that they genuinely wanted to focus on.

Either way, the holiday serves as a reminder to keep your neurons firing! Whether you want to remember to sweat the small stuff like birthdays and little reminders, or you want to leave space for the adventure you are going to spend the day starting, Memory Day is a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of keeping a healthy state of mind and memory and contribute in advocating it.

Memory Day timeline

2,000 Years Ago
The Blank Slate

Aristotle is one of the first known philosophers to theorize about the nature of human memory and how it works.

1870
Studying the Mind

Medical research emphasizes the study of memory.

1904
The Emergence of Neurons

Richard Semon comes up with the theory that experiences leave a physical trace in the form of neurons in the brain.

1968
The Model of Memory

Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin propose the memory model that consists of sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Memory Day FAQs

Is Memory Day a public holiday?

No, Memory Day is not a day off work or school.

What medications cause short-term memory loss?

Medications like sleeping pills, antihistamines, antidepressants, and prescription painkillers have been known to cause short-term memory loss.

Why do I have memory loss as a young person?

It’s likely that if you find yourself forgetting small things very frequently it can be attributed to a poor sleep schedule, excess stress, and an overall unhealthy lifestyle. If none of these apply to you then it’s worth seeking advice from a medical professional.

How to Observe Memory Day

  1. Reminisce

    Using your memory is a great way to celebrate the day. Take a moment to walk through memory lane — make full use of your memory. Keeping your memories alive and active helps to ensure that your ability to remember lasts longer and works better.

  2. Play a memory game

    To keep your mind and memory sharp, play a memory game with friends and family, or find a game online. Nowadays, it’s easier to find resources to help keep your mind and body in the best shape they can be.

  3. Find a cause

    Many diseases and conditions cause the mind and memory to deteriorate over the years — Alzheimer's and Dementia are just two of them. On Memory Day, let’s get in touch with a charity that advocates for the issue, and see if you can donate your time or money to help.

5 Facts About Memory That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Repetition is key

    The key to remembering information is repeating it, either by writing it down or redoing it several times.

  2. Sleep improves all

    A regular and healthy sleep schedule contributes positively to one’s ability to remember and process things.

  3. Mind and body connection

    Regular exercise and keeping your body healthy have been proven to improve memory function.

  4. Adaptive forgetting

    Humans have evolved to subconsciously manage their memory by forgetting certain things for the old information to not interfere with the new information we take in.

  5. Why you forget

    Common factors in forgetfulness include a person imbibing alcohol or certain medicines, experiencing depression, anxiety, major stress, or not getting enough sleep,

Why Memory Day is Important

  1. A reminder

    Memory Day is a reminder to remember before you forget. Take advantage of the fact that your mind and body are in the condition they’re in today and take care of it!

  2. It raises awareness

    The day draws attention to the danger and heartache memory loss poses to people. It is important to acknowledge that memory-affecting diseases and conditions can threaten any of us, and do what we can to help the cause against them.

  3. An excuse to do a crossword

    Whether it’s the crossword, sudoku, codewords, or any other pastime that challenges your brain, Memory Day is the perfect time to fully embrace your liking of these activities

Memory Day dates

YearDateDay
2024March 21Thursday
2025March 21Friday
2026March 21Saturday
2027March 21Sunday
2028March 21Tuesday

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