I can never recall what I've just read. Is this normal?

Question

Whenever I read a book, I can never remember the words from the pages I have read. Even if I'm still reading the book, I still have to go back and re-read the pages because I've forgotten?

How can I improve my memory. I'm still in my 20's.

Answer 1

This is quite a common problem so firstly don't worry.  

Make sure when you're reading that you're not just reading strings of words but that you're actually thinking about what you're reading - what it means.  It might be useful to pause every now and again to think about what you've just read, giving it time to sink in.

Try not to read too much in one go; you shouldn't be covering more than one topic at a time.  Break a topic down into main chunks and then deal with one chunk at a time.  After each chunk write a small summary of it, made up of key sentences.

A really useful way of checking how well you've understood something is to explain it to someone else, and then it's easy to see where the gaps in your understanding are.  If you don't have someone to hand, then explain it out loud to yourself!  Or use a voice recorder and talk into it.  When thinking about theories and concepts try and come up with some examples that are personal to you.

Remember it's not about remembering word for word what you've read, it's about grasping the sense of it.  The more you think about a topic the more understanding and memory you'll have of it.  Key facts and figures etc. you simply have to learn.  A lot of books are very academic -you don't need to remember every single thing you read!

Most importantly, we learn by repetition.  Before the end of the day go back and re-read your notes that you wrote that day - it reinforces the memory.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

It sounds like you have a form of amnesia. You are not processing the textual information into your long term memory. Is it just text? What about if somebody tells you something? Or if you learn something through experience? It certainly is not normal to have this amnesia, and you will need to visit a neurologist.

How long would you say textual information stays in your consciousness? Can you remember what you've just read of this answer? If not, then there is serious dysfunction of your memory.

Answer 3

if yor are studying you should reread  what you study more than once so that you could keep it in your mind & that's very normal

if your are reading for increase your knowledge , it's also normal .

you should only remember the mean of what you read not the full wards  

Answer 4

I have the same problem. So much so that repeating things back verbatim is almost impossible and makes testing a real issue for me. I do things with my hands and I am very creative spatially and artistically both in art and engineering. What I do, is try to get the concept of the instruction, the details I have to work out on my own. What helps me do better at recalling details is reading, lots and lots of reading. If you don't like reading, but your interests are in specific things. Get any thing written on that subject and spend some time in front of those books. Writing also helps, put on paper your own ideas when and where they happen, you will find your memory will improve.

Answer 5

R u sure Ur concentrating enough...?

does this happen only when you are reading, If so, you must be distracted by something and you are not concentrating enough!