Memory is an essential part of the human experience, shaping who we are and how we interact with the world: 

Identity
Memories are part of our internal biographies, and tell us who we are and who we’re connected to. 

Learning
Memory is a prerequisite for learning, and is involved in teaching and making sense of the present and future. 

Behavior
Memory influences our behavior, and is involved in intelligent behavior and problem solving. 

Relationships
Memories of positive experiences, like laughter, can increase relationship satisfaction. 

Practical life
Memory is involved in practical tasks like getting around and remembering how to contact loved ones. 

Memory is a complex process that involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information. The brain reassembles memories from a web-like pattern of cells, and the way we remember things is often biased by the beginning and end of an experience. 

Some things you can do to protect your memory include:
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Avoiding smoking
Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in check
Living a mentally active life