MEMORY IN OLD PERSONS

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Feb 19, 1880

MEMORY IN OLD PERSONS.

The brain is the instrument of the mind. Every thought and feeling is dependent on certain changes that take place between it and the blood. Mental activity may be quickened or retarded, exalted or depressed, by the action of drugs upon the brain. Singular effects are produced by cerebral disease.

Age works permanent changes in the brain; it shrinks its bulk and hardens its substance. In consequence of this there is a change of mental manifestations. The mind acts more slowly in old persons. It does not turn readily to new subjects, and is not capable of as protracted or as lofty efforts. The feelings, too, are much lessened in susceptibility.

But in the memory the most marked changes occur. Some persons who have been more than ordinarily gifted in this respect, in old age become peculiarly deficient in memory. With the aged, recent facts and events are not so readily taken up into the mental store-house, and what is learned is sooner forgotten.

At the same time the past stands out in vivid contrast with the present. Early habits return again. For instance, the pronunciation or the spelling of youth often reappears, to the surprise of friends. Sins, early repented of and forsaken, obtrude themselves painfully on the memory.

From this we see how important it is that the associations and habits of youth are such as shall give only pleasure in old age.

If one would not sink into imbecility when the brain begins to shrink, let him cultivate all his powers right along through life.

The aged should take special pains to keep up their mental activity.