Like all forms of memory, cultural memory has important functions For example, it crystallizes shared experiences In doing so, cultural memory provides us with an understanding of the past and the values and norms of the group (or more accurately groups) to which we belong

The term official memory may refer to the possible ways in which certain historical images, people, and events of national importance are remembered/evoked/commemorated by performing a set of official rituals The objects of official history were closely related to the official celebrations of the republic day

Historical memories help form the social and political identities of groups of people and they can be changed with respect to present moments

The role of collective memory adds to this as events from the past become perceived in the present as a conduit of meaningful reality related to the foundations of the conflict and so perpetuating the perceived rivalry

Now there is evidence that it may well be correct New research shows that we can train ourselves to forget things And just as we can practise restraining motor impulses, we can also train ourselves to repress memories, ie to forget Waldhauser points out several situations in which forgetting could be helpful

Recovering Long Term Memories Most neuroscientists believe that memories are stored in the connections of brain cells called synapses They believe that when the synapses are destroyed, as happens in Alzheimer’s, memories are lost forever

Memory loss can begin from age 45, scientists say As all those of middle age who have ever fumbled for a name to fit a face will believe, the brain begins to lose sharpness of memory and powers of reasoning and understanding not from 60 as previously thought, but from as early as 45, scientists say

Forgetfulness can arise from stress, depression, lack of sleep or thyroid problems Other causes include side effects from certain medicines, an unhealthy diet or not having enough fluids in your body (dehydration) Taking care of these underlying causes may help resolve your memory problems

Minor head injury or trauma can trigger slight memory problems, even if you didn’t lose consciousness Forgetfulness is a potential side effect of certain medications Brain tumors or brain infections can affect your memory or trigger dementia-like symptoms Vitamin B-12 deficiency can create problems with your memory

The answer is you are likely to have been “dual-tasking” just before speaking It might have been because you were thinking about the words you wanted to say and something else at the same time Or maybe you were concentrating on listening while trying to think of what to say

3 Tactics to Remember that Idea You Just Forgot

1. Think Back Through the Topics that Led to It Say you’re having a conversation and you both get distracted and lose the topic that you were last on
2. Recreate the Stimulus for the Idea One thing I miss about college is how bored I was
3. Return to the Environment You Had the Idea In

s to Boost Your Brain and Memory

1. Fatty Fish When people talk about brain foods, fatty fish is often at the top of the list
2. Coffee If coffee is the highlight of your morning, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s good for you
3. Blueberries
4. Turmeric
5. Broccoli
6. Pumpkin Seeds
7. Dark Chocolate
8. Nuts

Research shows that the best brain foods are the same ones that protect your heart and blood vessels, including the following:

• Green, leafy vegetables
• Fatty fish
• Berries
• Tea and coffee
• Walnuts