Professor Gabriel Radvansky and colleagues have found an answer for the doorway forgetfulness in the recall aspect of the brain's filing system.

According to their findings published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, “Entering or exiting through a doorway serves as an 'event boundary' in the mind, which separates episodes of activity and files them away."

“Recalling the decision or activity that was made in a different room is difficult because it has been compartmentalized,” Radvansky added.

The findings suggest that the doorway or "event boundary" impedes one's ability to retrieve thoughts or decisions made in a different room.

Radvansky suggest people carry an object or a note that reminds them of their task when they go to a new room or they will end up asking “what did I come in here for?” every single time.

SJM/TE