memory retention

Caffeine brings good news to the elderly too. It seems older people have better memory retention after taking small doses of this wonder drug.


Hi,
Is "retention" optional in the above? If not, does it amount to "ability?"
Besides, is it the same to say "wonderful drug" instead of "wonder drug?" Thanks.

The term "wonder drug" is a common idiom meaning an amazing drug which can perform wonders. You also commonly see the term "wonder food" to describe a type of food which scientists have proclaimed can do wonders for your health. In other words, replacing "wonder" with "wonderful" would not convey the same meaning.

Saying that older people have "better memory retention" means that they are able to retain or keep hold of their memories better. I assume it means that without caffeine a fact may stay in an older person's memory for a short period of time, however after they take a bit of caffeine that memory is retained for longer, possibly permanently.

memory retention. I'd say that the retention part is optional, as having memory means to retain the information.
wonder drug refers to a drug that does wonders, it's almost miraculous, wonderful drug gives you the idea of illegal drugs that make you feel wonderful, floating, etc... In medicine related articles, when a drug works well for a lot of aillments, I think wonder drug is more appropiate.
But again it's only my opinion.

nie to see an aussie around!

I meant nice

Thanks, cycloneviv.
To make sure, is it the same to say "have better memory" and "have better memory retention" to you? In our language, we never use the latter. That's why i asked this question.

I think it would be common to say "have a better memory" but whether that's exactly the same as "better memory retention"... Perhaps it is. I was thinking that, technically, there is a difference between having an ability to lay down memories initially and being able to retain them in the long term, but I'm probably nit-picking!

Makikos' post makes me think I probably am. ;P