Table 1 Why do I forget? Research indicates several common reasons
| Distraction interrupts memory processing |
| Sensory losses—vision and hearing deficits create information intake problems |
| Fatigue decreases attention span |
| Medication may slow mental functioning |
| Emotion factors (especially anxiety and depression) can interfere with memory |
| Viewing things as not important reduces motivation to remember |
| Having a lot to remember creates an overload and concern about our ability to remember |