Memoria: la base para aprender, comprender y rendir en el día a día
It is common for both children and adults to experience difficulties related to memory: forgetting recent instructions, losing track while reading, or feeling like they study but do not retain the information. In many cases, this is not due to lack of effort, but because the memory, especially working memory, is overloaded or not functioning efficiently.
Memory is the ability to register, retain, and retrieve information. However, in learning and daily life, it is not enough to just remember data: it is necessary to be able to handle that information in real time. This function is key both for children, to learn at school, and for adults, to work, organize, and make decisions.
When memory is not well optimized, difficulties can arise in comprehension, attention, thought organization, and task execution. For this reason, working on memory in a specific way is one of the keys to improving cognitive performance.
The importance of working memory in learning and performance
From neuropsychology, working memory is one of the most important functions for learning. It allows us to hold and manipulate information for a few seconds while performing a task. It is the one we use when:
- We follow a conversation
- We remember an instruction while executing it
- We read a text and understand it
- We solve a problem while keeping several pieces of information in mind
When this function is efficient, learning becomes more fluid. When it fails, blocks, forgetfulness, and mistakes appear that do not always relate to intelligence or effort.
Additionally, working memory is closely related to attention and other executive functions. If we cannot keep information active, the brain loses efficiency, and performance declines. In this context, it is important to understand that memory does not function in isolation, but is integrated with other cognitive processes. The more organized and efficient the system, the less effort the brain needs to process and retain information.
Memory exercises and activities: How to work on it properly
Memory training must be structured, progressive, and adapted to the person. It is not about memorizing aimlessly, but training the ability to retain and use information in dynamic situations.
Some effective exercises include:
- Remembering sequences
- Retaining visual stimuli
- Memorizing positions or patterns
- Following multi-step instructions
These types of activities help strengthen the neural networks involved in memory and their relationship with attention. In children, this promotes learning. In adults, it helps maintain mental agility and improve daily performance.
The main problem is that many exercises become repetitive and unmotivating, making it difficult to maintain the consistency needed to generate improvements.
MENTAL: An effective and motivating way to train memory
To overcome this problem, specialists from the Llorens Center have developed the MENTAL game. Within the game, the Memory card is designed to train the ability to retain and retrieve information under demanding situations. The player must capture visual stimuli, keep them active, and respond quickly and accurately.
This type of dynamic is not based solely on remembering, but on activating working memory in a real-use context, making it especially relevant for both children and adults. Additionally, by being integrated into a game, it increases motivation and repetition, two key factors for cognitive training to have an effect. The result is that the person not only plays but actively trains a crucial function for learning and performance.
Changes you can observe in daily life
When memory is worked on consistently, changes are usually gradual but clearly observable.
In children:
- Improved reading comprehension
- Better following of instructions
- Fewer mistakes due to distraction
- Feel more confident when learning
In adults:
- Fewer everyday forgetfulness issues
- Improved organization and mental clarity
- Increased work efficiency
- Better management of information in complex tasks
In both cases, the brain gains efficiency as it needs less effort to retain information and can focus on understanding, reasoning, and making decisions.
A professional approach based on neuropsychology
Using tools designed by specialists makes the difference. The MENTAL game, developed by the Llorens Center team, is based on neuropsychological principles applied to the training of cognitive functions like memory.
Each activity has a specific objective within cognitive development, ensuring that game time is not just entertainment, but also a real opportunity for stimulation.
In short, working on memory properly not only helps to remember better but also allows for easier learning, reduces frustration, and improves performance in both children and adults.
