Sometimes our brain behaves strangely — as if playing tricks on us. We may enter a room and suddenly forget why we went there. This causes anxiety, but according to specialists, there is nothing to fear: such memory lapses are a normal phenomenon, not a sign of illness.
The answer to the question of why this happens was provided by psychologist Denis Dolgov on his Telegram channel.
"Doorway Effect"
As the expert notes, such sudden "forgetful moments" often cause people to worry. The thought arises: could this be the beginning of dementia or other disorders? But fortunately, there is no reason to panic. This is a feature of brain function, inherent even in completely healthy individuals.
Scientists from the University of Notre Dame named this phenomenon the "doorway effect" or "event boundary effect". When a person walks from one room to another, the brain automatically shifts attention, as if drawing a "psychological line" between events.
In simpler terms, when crossing a threshold, consciousness "archives" information related to the previous space and clears the way for new information. This is how the brain helps us adapt more quickly to changes in context.
How to Avoid Confusion
Such forgetful episodes do not indicate memory problems or neurological disorders. This is a side effect of a beneficial property of the brain — the ability to separate events and maintain focus on the present moment.
If this feature interferes with daily tasks, try a simple exercise: when you go into another room, keep a specific task in mind and do not get distracted by trivialities. This mindfulness helps reduce the likelihood of the "event boundary effect".
"If this is the only feature that concerns you, you can rest assured — your memory is just fine," concludes Denis Dolgov.
How to Strengthen Memory
Memory can be developed at any age. Here are some simple and effective habits:
- Cook from recipes. By following step-by-step instructions, you train your attention and short-term memory.
- Learn foreign languages and read. New words and texts stimulate neural connections.
- Get enough sleep. Quality sleep directly affects concentration and cognitive functions.
- Make to-do lists. This helps structure tasks and maintain focus.
- Avoid bad habits. Smoking and alcohol impair brain function and memory.
- Communicate more often. Conversations, sharing stories, and active listening engage working memory.
Forgetting why you entered a room, don’t rush to panic. Your brain is simply doing its job — sorting information and making space for the new. And if you learn to understand these signals, you can turn what seems like a glitch into a reminder: it’s time to pause, focus, and be mindful.
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