Most of the time, I dont even realize Ive forgotten.
Retaining information isnt the problem.
Selectively focusing on a particular piece of it, either during encoding or recall, is.
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Its hard to test what a person remembers without asking them to recall it.
A study of adults with ADHD confirmed that this ability to inhibit competing memories was impaired.
In the study, subjects were shown a collection of 48 category-and-example pairs (like fruit: apple).
While categories appeared multiple times, no two examples in the same category started with the same letter.
Researchers then administered three different recall tests.
In one, just a category cue would appear on the screen (like fruit?).
The results confirmed that individuals with ADHD have a deficit in inhibitory control of memory.
AnADHD-friendly mindfulness exercisethat Ive found more manageable than pure meditation isfocusing on the five senses.
Write Everything Down
I take notes all the time for everything.
As soon as the thing comes up, I make a note, even if it seems trivial.
Theyre not coming back.
Youre not going to remember to reply later.
Either reply right away or leave it unread.
Likewise, unread emails will be easier to spot next time you check your email.
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