There goes David again, going into that room to get something, then forgetting why he got there in the first place. This has been happening repeatedly for the past few weeks and is interrupting the flow of his daily activities.
David is suffering from a pervasive side effect of ADHD. Most people who suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a hard time focusing, organizing, or recalling tasks typically. This may impact various sides of their lives, including their personal, professional, and social presence.
Several studies have examined this phenomenon, proving a direct relationship between ADHD and both your short and long-term memories. It is directly linked to altering your working memory performance, which is the temporary storage that manages your daily tasks.
So what is the correlation between ADHD and working memory, and how to avoid further complications?
First of all, what is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that could alter your brain functionalities. Some ADHD symptoms could include excess activity, difficulty concentrating, impulsive reactions, organization problems, and low attention spans.
ADHD can minimize the size of your brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for your active mental work, which explains the possibility of having memory as a symptom.
For example, if you’re having a conversation with your friend, you may get distracted by a random flying bird or an old memory, that you won’t retrieve most parts of your intercourse.
Impact of ADHD on your memory
Having memory loss is a common symptom of ADHD as it could hold many details that your mind can’t recall. It could interfere with your simple tasks, like having to reread a sentence several times because you forgot it or opening your planner several times because you forgot your upcoming task. It could get further complicated until you end up losing your precious items, forgetting where you were going, and missing out on important deadlines.
ADHD could also have its toll on your long-term memory, like forgetting your vocabulary and significant life incidents.
So how can you help boost your memory?
How to improve your working memory?
There are various solutions that could help you with your memory loss, and these include:
1- Do one task at a time
Instead of multi-tasking, block your time, focus on a single task, stay mindful and eliminate all external distractions. This could help increase your attention span and decrease the chance of delayed tasks.
2- Build your routine
Having a somehow stable routine can help your memory take a little breath. Develop organized morning and night routines by writing at least 4 constant tasks you do every day, like taking your vitamins, doing your skincare routine, and doing your workouts.
3- Use some help from your planner
If your memory is taking a rest, you might as well get an alternate memory to assist you. You can write down your tasks, significant dates, prominent reminders, and important notes. Research shows that handwriting down your errands can help stimulate your memory by boosting both your visual and verbal skills.
4- Play memory games
Memory games can ignite your cognitive skills and train your memory in a fun yet effective method. These include visual teasers, pattern games, math practices, new languages, puzzles, and crosswords. They will not only help your memory but also increase your attention span and concentration.
5- Create a healthy lifestyle
People with ADHD have a greater risk of insomnia due to their poor daily functions. Including self-care in your daily plans can help you better organize your time and plans. Make sure to get healthy meals, regular workouts, enough sleep, and even meditation.
Consequently, despite ADHD’s impacts on your working memory, it’s not a hopeless case. Never give up on yourself, and make sure to ask for professional help when needed.