Baku, August 8 – Memory loss is often associated with aging, yet in recent years a growing number of young Azerbaijanis have begun reporting similar issues. Many say they forget recent events, misplace items moments after holding them, or struggle to recall details from the past.
Opinions differ on the root causes. Some point to poor diet, past illnesses, or viral infections. Others blame mental overload, chronic stress, and emotional instability. But according to psychologist Aygun Agabalayeva, the leading culprit is persistent stress.
“If forgetfulness was once considered an age-related problem, today it’s increasingly common among young people,” Agabalayeva told Bizim.Media. “Factors include constant technology use, gadget dependence, disrupted sleep patterns, and high stress levels — all of which directly affect cognitive function, especially memory.”
She explained that while stress is not a disease in itself, it can seriously damage the nervous system. Meanwhile, young people’s reliance on smartphones and social media reduces the need to memorize or think analytically, as information is always just a tap away.
Nutrition is another factor. Fast food and snack-heavy diets often lack essential vitamins and minerals, leading to deficiencies that can impair memory. These issues are frequently linked with poor sleep, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression — creating a vicious cycle in which stress fuels insomnia, insomnia reduces mental performance, and memory suffers.
“No matter how busy the day, it’s important to set aside time for yourself,” Agabalayeva advised. “Walk outdoors, get moderate exercise, rest properly, and normalize your sleep. We can’t eliminate stress entirely, but we can change how we respond to it.”
She recommends dedicating at least 10–15 minutes a day to an enjoyable activity and avoiding situations or people that trigger negative emotions.
As Agabalayeva notes, memory is shaped not only by biology but by lifestyle — and its strength depends directly on both our physical health and our mental well-being.
