It seems that over the years, I have forgotten more than I learned. I know that's not possible, but it sure feels that way at times. Forgetting is a terrible feeling. It's a little like leaving the house in the morning knowing that you didn't finish dressing and are almost afraid to find out what you forgot. I've found two memory joggers that helped me out many times when I open the cupboard of my memory only to find it bare. I have decided to share my two "secret weapons" against the common affliction we all experience at any time in our lives.

The first, not necessarily the best but I have to start with one of them, is the Alphabet Jogger. This one is almost so simple I am embarrassed to name it or explain it, but here I go. With this jogger, you start by saying to yourself in your private, inside-your-head voice one letter of the alphabet, usually the "A," and pause while your mind races from one blank cupboard to the next. The only caution is to be sure your mind is focused on the letter and not distracted by some other thought the letter springs to life. This will happen and you have to be strong to fend off the interference of other thoughts. After the first letter, "A," and a thoughtful pause without results, go on to the next letter, "B." Be sure to pause after each letter letting your mind search the nooks and crannies of your brain where you file information.

A variation of the Alphabet Jogger when trying to remember a person's name is to think of names at each alphabet letter stop. If I can remember the first name and am searching for the last name, say the first name and then the letter like, "Bob R" or Jane "D" and so on. When you find this jogger works for you, you'll find your own quirks that work for you. The important point is that it will help you remember and when you do, you will wonder how you ever forget the information in the first place.

The other jogger is the "Yellow Pages" Jogger. I know this sounds weird, but it works, at least it works for me. As you might have guessed, this jogger requires you to have a Yellow Pages Directory in hand. The difference between this and the Alphabet Jogger is that in addition to the alphabet, you have business categories that can help you remember through word association. As you go from page 1 through the book, use the same general process as with the Alphabet Jogger: quietly say the letter then say the business categories under that letter.
 
I think by now you have a firm grasp of the complexities of these two methods. They're simple and work often enough to use them. I used the Alphabet Jobber just this week to remember the last name of a person who was in the news. I remembered it when I got to the first letter of the person's last name. Now it's your turn. Give it a try. What do you have to lose? You might even learn that you are not in the early stages of Alzheimer's.