Hi XXXXXXXXX,
Thank you for coming to JustAnswer with your question.
There have been studies done showing that taking glucose (sugar) before, during and/or after studying will help your brain retain information better. Also, taking some sugar before your test will help your brain perform better during the test.
There are also some other known things about memory and testing:
1) A "negative" self concept hampers your memory. In other words, you know you will forget, so you do. You need to tell yourself every day that you do remember the information.
2) The information has not been learned well. Space out your "studying" and frequently review the information in various ways: say it, read it, write it, teach it to someone else. Repetition makes memory pathways in your brain (like well-worn foot trails in a forest; the more the trail is used, the easier it is to find). Telling someone else about what you have learned (or teaching them) is an excellent way to keep your memory of learned material. If you have no one to teach to, make a teaching plan, or powerpoint presentation like you are going to do a class on the subject.
3) Forgetting material you want to retain is caused by "interference" or over-crowding your brain with other things that interfere with the memories you want to keep. The information is still there, its just lost amidst all the other nonessestial stuff. This is why recreational activity for your mind (music, dance, creative play) enhances learning and memory, because it tends to clear your mind of all this useless clutter. So combining study with mind recreation is an effective way to build and retain strong memory of the learned material.
4) Give your self (and your brain) adequate time to learn and incorporate new information. You have to organize the information, reflect on it, think about it, clarify it (maybe do some extra research outside of your textbook). If you just read the book, it won't "stick". It has to mean something to you. The information has to become part of you by your brain associating it with your experiences. This happens when you allow enough time to reflect on the information. When you actually use the information for something, it will become a more permanent memory. (again--teaching plans).
In your case, you have to work extra hard because of your ADHD. But it looks like you are doing a good job at identifying areas to help yourself.
Nurse (RN)
35+ yrs skilled nursing experience; Dir of Nursing Skilled Nursing/Rehab; Elder Care Consultant