This document is a presentation by Andrew B. Crocker from the Texas AgriLife Extension Service about memory and aging. It discusses how memory loss is not a normal part of aging and may be preventable. It covers different types of memory and intelligence, as well as learning styles like auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Factors that can affect memory like drugs, nutrition, sleep, and stress are also addressed. The presentation provides tips for improving memory like word games, brain teasers, and continuing education. It concludes by stating subsequent modules will cover other aspects of memory and emphasizing the importance of continuing to challenge your brain.

1. Master of Memory –
Am I Losing My Mind?
Andrew B. Crocker
Extension Program Specialist –
Gerontology Health
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M System
2008
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Brain Power
“Senior Moment”
“Brain Lapse”
“It’s Just My Age”
Memory loss is not a “normal” part of
the aging process and may be
preventable!
Types of Intelligence
Crystallized Intelligence
The accumulated knowledge on which a
person can draw
Vocabulary, Judgment, Wisdom, Experience
Fluid Intelligence
Speed and accuracy of information
processing
How quickly something can be learned &
recalled

2. How Does My Memory Work?
Three basic types of memory:
Sensory Memory
Momentary sensations and impressions
Short-term Memory
Holds information for several seconds while we
decide what to do with it
Long-term Memory
Can Last FOREVER!
Types of Learners
Auditory
Do you need to hear it?
Visual
Do you need to see it?
Kinesthetic
Do you need touch it?
What Type Am I?
Finish this sentence:
Whenever I buy something new that needs
to be put together, I usually. . . .
Read the directions from beginning to end
before starting.
Read aloud or have someone read the
directions aloud to me.
Leave the directions and begin assembling
immediately.

3. Auditory Learner
Hearing is the primary way of learning
new information
Usually leads the conversation
Learns words to songs easily
Dislikes writing
May not be able to read body language
Could an auditory learner’s memory be
affected by not wearing his/her hearing
aid?
Visual Learner
Seeing is the primary way of learning new
information
Watches the face of those talking
May need to write directions down to follow
them
Understands body language easily
May have trouble remembering names
Could a visual learner’s memory be
affected by not wearing his/her glasses?
Auditory vs. Visual
How many times does the letter “F”
appear in the following sentence?
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF
SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE
EXPERIENCE OF YEARS

4. Kinesthetic Learner
“Doing” is the primary way of learning
new information
Likes to touch and feel things
Has trouble standing still or sitting still
Needs to experience something “hands on”
to learn how to do it
Could a kinesthetic learner’s memory be
affected by change in mobility/ability?
Auditory vs. Visual vs. Kinesthetic
How many states in the United States
begin with the letter “M?”
Why Can’t I Remember?
Problems with recall
Information retrieval
Did you learn the information?
Drugs and Alcohol
Emotion
Stress
Grief
Depression
Improper Nutrition
Sleep
Habits

5. The Best Learner. . .
Blends the three types to maximize
performance
Exercises the brain to improve memory
Like exercising the body improves function
Environmental Press
Functional Decline Functional Improvement
Function
Press
Expand Your Mind
Word Games
Brain Teasers
Trying New/Different Learning Methods
Conversation
Continuing Education

6. Master of Memory
Subsequent modules will address other
aspects of memory
Use it or Lose it!
Homework Time
Think about locking a door
Think about unscrewing a light bulb
What other actions can you think of
that will fit this activity?
References
Benjamin, Jr., LT, JR Hopkins & JR Nation. (1994). Psychology. 3rd edition. New York:
Macmillan College Publishing Company.
Butler, RN, MI Lewis & T Sunderland. (1998). Aging and Mental Health. 5th edition. New
York: Prentice Hall.
Chou, JY & CM Brown. (2002). “Receptivity to Peer Teaching and Peer Learning About the
Safe and Appropriate Use of Medications Among Older Adults.” Educational Gerontology 28.
pp 761-75.
Duyff, RL. (1998). The American Dietetic Association’s Complete Guide to Food and
Nutrition. Minneapolis: Chronimed Publishing.
Fogler, J & L Stern. (1994). Improving Your Memory. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University
Press.
Garfunkel, F & G Landau. (1981). A Memory Retention Course for the Aged. Washington,
D.C.: The National Council on the Aging.
Grayson, C, ed. (2004). “Brain Boosters: Eating for the Mind.”
http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/11/1671_50418.htm. Last Accessed: 19 July 2006.
Guyton, AC & JE Hall. (1996). Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th edition. Philadelphia:
W.B. Saunders Company.
Ham, R & P Sloane. (1997). Primary Care Geriatrics: A Case Based Approach. 3rd edition. St.
Louis: Mosby.

7. References
Harnack, LJ, KL DeRosier & SA Rydell. (2003). “Results of a Population-Based Survey of
Adults’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Herbal Products.” J Am Pharm Assoc 43(5):596-601.
Kane, RL, JG Ouslander & IB Abrass. (1999). Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics. 4th edition.
McGraw-Hill Health Professions Division: New York.
McDougal, GJ. (1995). “Memory Self-Efficacy and Strategy Use in Successful Elders.”
Educational Gerontology. Taylor and Francis. 21 (4).
Matlin, MW. (1998). Cognition. 4th edition. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.
Nader, K. “Re-recording Human Memories.” Nature 425. 09 October 2003. pp.571-2.
Robinson, SF. (June 2000). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2000. (Available from Texas
Cooperative Extension, 352 Kleburg Center, TAMU MS 2471, College Station, Texas, 77843).
Robinson, SF. (December 2001). “What’s Missing in your Pantry?: Nutrients Likely to be
Lacking in the Diets of Older Adults. (Available from Texas Cooperative Extension, 352
Kleburg Center, TAMU MS 2471, College Station, Texas, 77843).
Schardt, D. “Brain Boosters & Busters.” Nutrition Action Healthletter. Center for Science in
the Public Interest. October 2002.
Timiras, PS. (1994). Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics. 2nd edition. Boca Raton:
CRC Press.
Wetzel, K & K Harmeyer. (1999). Mind Games: The Aging Brain and How to Keep it
Healthy. New York: Delmar.