Forgetting name of new person right after meeting - Explanation of doctor
Why we forget a person's name right after meeting (RBC-Ukraine collage)
Sometimes, the name of a person you've just met slips your mind within half an hour. It's a very unpleasant situation, so people who experience this regularly may feel concerned. However, there's no need to worry because it's a completely normal process, explains doctor Yurii Haborets.
Why do we forget the name of a new person?
According to the expert, there is nothing wrong with forgetting a person's name after a meeting. It's related to certain brain functions.
When you've just met someone, your brain hasn't yet created an associative link with this person. The brain automatically filters through a mass of information, focusing on potential dangers and retaining information that helps to survive.
If the new acquaintance begins telling you some personal information, your brain will make an association with this person. Overnight, while you sleep, this information will be stored in long-term memory.
The doctor advises to repeat the person's name several times during the introduction. Also, it's helpful to associate the new acquaintance with a group of people who have the same name or with the company and events in which you met.
When forgetfulness is a reason to see a doctor
Yurii Haborets noted that if you start forgetting the names of old acquaintances, friends, or objects, and you are over 40 years old, you should get checked out.
Such a symptom may signal the onset of Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Consulting a neurologist is advisable.
"Regardless of age, it's important to train your brain like a muscle - with new skills, solving puzzles, and crosswords. Physical activity outdoors is also important. Don't spend your evenings watching series; instead, call your children, don't wait for them to come up with an idea. Keep in touch with friends from your youth, and you'll always feel young," advises the doctor.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
