Khaberni - On Sunday, November 16, 2025, Dr. Afaf Hammami, a specialist in geriatric diseases (Alzheimer's specialty) urged avoiding everything that could destroy memory and consequently the ability to focus, such as sitting continuously for 7 hours, excessive consumption of coffee, and prolonged use of smartphones.
Hammami added, in a statement to Watt, that several studies have proven the negative consequences of a number of daily habits on memory and concentration quality, including sitting for more than 7 hours, which causes a 12 percent reduction in memory activity, according to a global scientific study.
She pointed out that another study proved that the rate of distractions among youth increased by 30 percent in the last 5 years due to smartphone use, while another study showed that more than 50 percent of adults struggle with concentration in professional and academic settings.
The speaker noted that memory is the ability to store and retrieve information, while concentration is the ability to direct attention towards a specific activity without distraction, and there is a strong, integrated relationship between the two components.
In this regard, she emphasized the importance of exercising to improve memory activity and maintain it, as a global study proved that 30 minutes of exercise improves memory by 15 percent the following day. Recent studies have also shown that the brain remains capable of learning and reshaping neurons throughout life.
In a related context, Hammami urged avoiding multitasking and performing activities at the same time, practicing 'smart sleep' from 6 to 8 hours with phones turned off, avoiding coffee consumption after 4 PM, and practicing intermittent rest after each activity.
She also encouraged a healthy diet with ample intake of "Omega 3", various vegetables, dark chocolate, and daily brain training to improve memory activity through intellectual games and reading for at least 10 minutes a day.
