Memory Basics Part 2: How Your Brain Stores Memories

Why do some memories last forever, while others vanish the moment you walk into a room? In this episode, we break down the neuroscience behind memory—how memories are created, stored, and retrieved—plus how menopause, stress, and sleep impact what you remember and forget. What to Listen For: [00:02:10] The 3 essential stages of memory: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval—and how they work [00:03:45] Why multitasking and distraction destroy your ability to remember [00:05:10] How your hippocampus acts like a Lego master when building memories [00:07:00] Why poor sleep can sabotage your brain’s ability to store memories [00:08:45] The surprising way every recall changes your memory (hint: it's not a replay) [00:10:00] How estrogen supports your memory (and what happens when it drops) [00:11:10] The four types of memory—and why working memory fails first in menopause [00:13:00] How procedural memory explains why people with Alzheimer’s can still play piano [00:14:30] Memory loss red flags: what's normal vs. what's not [00:15:50] What science says you can do right now to support your brain through hormonal changes Cognitive decline isn't inevitable. By understanding how your brain stores and retrieves memories—and how menopause can impact each stage—you can take meaningful steps to protect and improve your cognitive health. 🎧 Listen now and share this episode with a friend who keeps losing track of her phone. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss Part 3 in the Memory 101 series. Subscribe & Review in iTunes If you like what you hear, please subscribe to my podcast. I encourage you to do that today as I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe on iTunes! Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @amylangcoaching and on Facebook @amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy