Memory is a topic that is of consequence for all of us.

Good memories can carry us through difficult times, but bad memories can be traumatic to recall. Memory is integral to an eyewitness account or statement in court, though memory is never as reliable as hard evidence, photographs, or footage.

How much do you know about how memory, memories, and memory disorders work?

To bridge players, memory is always in focus. It’s important to build your memory as a bridge enthusiast, and the game is one of the best ways to do it.

Playing bridge almost guarantees that you’re giving your mind’s eye some exercise, and the benefits of memory have been proven through multiple studies.

Now, let’s talk about memory – and why some of the most common memory beliefs out there are wrong.

Here are 4 myths & misunderstandings about memory (and their real truths explained).

1. Goldfish have a five-second memory span.

Nope.

While the existence of a supposed “goldfish memory” is a fact that gets repeated often, there isn’t much truth to the idea. In fact, there is zero evidence to prove that goldfish have a “bad” or “resetting” memory at all.

Studies have shown that goldfish can retain memories, and can even be taught basic tricks to recall later.

That secret you told your goldfish that one time? They probably remember it.

Oops.

2. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same thing.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often thought to be one in the same, but it’s one of the most common myths about cognitive decline and memory disorders – so let’s explain the difference right here.

Dementia describes a range of conditions, typically ones that involve memory or cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease is a more specific description, referring to a condition that might have dementia as an associated symptoms.

Yes, the conditions are related – but no, they are not the same thing at all.

3. Pets forget their owners or carers.

Domestic animals and how their memory might fit together is something scientists have been wondering about for a long time. The good thing is that we have had more room to study it in modern times – and today, we know just that little bit more about animals and memory.

Pets can recall their human owners or carers for years, often decades, after they have been separated. It includes cats, dogs, and probably almost any other pet you could insert here.

4. Brain cells cannot regenerate over time.

Brain cells don’t work exactly as people might have imagined a few decades ago, but the myth above persists.

Once brain cells have died off (as can happen with events like age, strokes, or physical head trauma), we used to imagine that brain cells are impossible to regenerate.

More research points to the fact that this is not true at all.

With adaptations to diet, lifestyle changes, and taking care of one’s memory, brain cells don’t just die off forever – but can heal.

Now play some bridge and exercise your brain cells!