Memory limits?

Question

Memory: declines from middle age onward?
I understand that some people experience memory decline at an earlier age than others, due to multiple factors such as lifestyle (diet, exerciese) and how complex their lives are in terms of family life, work life, etc. Do you believe that it is possible that one can undergo rigourous training requiring immense amounts of critical thinking/analyses/study in middle age or middle adulthood? For example, I've heard older student who go to medical school, etc don't fare as well in terms of admission MCATs and even during medical school. Is memory at a peak in the twenties (in which critical thinking is enhanced through study) or...can memory remain peaked for longer period of time?

I've heard of many in the family and friends circle who have attended medical, dental, and pharmacy schools at a much later age in the 40's (when they have kids and wife/husband AND a job).

What is the state of progress of a person's memory, provided that one tak

Answer 1

There are many facets to memory for you to explore. For example there is both short term and long term memory. You hear a new person's name for the first time and it enters short term memory for a minute or two. Unless you repeat it (to yourself or out loud) you will likely forget it and not place it in long term memory for the next time you meet. Perhaps that takes less memory skill than attitude rather than any age factor.

Memories are often generated by association with present knowledge. For example an experienced lawyer may remember the facts of a case easier than a fresh lawyer in the special field (finance, etc.) who is still mastering the basic applicable laws.

Rote memory uses little if any association and may consist of remembering the most sequential digits. Some have the skill and others don't. Age or disease affecting brain tissue (stroke, plaque, etc.) may rob someone of their native skill. Others may just feel less need to please others with their skill.

Perhaps computers have such a good 'memory' because they have no attitude, regardless of age. Anyone can learn new memory tricks if they want (and need?) to.