I imagine that I am not alone in often setting out purposefully upstairs to deal with an urgent matter forgetting I was already in hot pursuit of some other idea.

By the time I reach the top of the stairs, not only do I manage to forget items one and two which had been occupying my mind but I am also at a loss to recall what has summoned me up the stairs and away from my original mind set.

So I then go into deep consideration of which of the various ills that can afflict the elderly might be planning to manifest themselves and prepare to look for my diary (which is never in the place in which I thought I had last put it) in order to make an appointment to see my doctor, when I recall what has brought me to the top of the stairs in the first, second or third place.

These "senior moments", as someone delightfully named them, do give pause for thought but, while annoying, are not life-threatening, although life would be considerably less tiresome if one could improve the workings of one's brain and memory.

It may come as a surprise to find that in the field of memory training Britain and Ireland lag behind such countries as the Czech Republic, Holland and Belgium.

Along with Germany, France and Austria, these nations are involved in memory training seminars for the elderly through the offices of Eurag (the European Federation for the Elderly) and their working party for senior citizens.

Following a stroke, for example, loss of memory can be very frustrating. But experience is showing that, with the right kind of training, considerable improvements can be made.

There is now an increasing interest in memory training classes among residential homes for the elderly along the lines of very successful work being carried out in Germany and other EU countries.

So often in many residential homes little is offered in the way of mental stimulus, thus allowing poor memories to deteriorate further.

Apart from the benefits of an improved memory, there are knock-on effects, such as the increased social contact of residents as they gain in confidence.

A symposium on memory training held in March 2000 attracted about 100 participants from seven European countries and was a successful first effort in this particular field aimed at the elderly and those suffering from various forms of dementia.

Now a further seminar is to be held in Prague in March to build on the knowledge gathered at the 2000 event.

The seminar will be held in English and last for seven days, led by the German and Czech associations for memory training.

The Eurag working group will be the main sponsors and the courses will be aimed at those who might wish to become memory trainers in retirement homes, nursing homes and mental institutions.

The course is considered suitable for members of such groups as the University of the Third Age, senior citizens' clubs and ARP/050 groups. Those attending the course will receive a certificate of attendance.

If you want to find out more about the seminar or are interested in attending, you can apply direct to The University of Free Time in Prague, Dana Steinova, Leckova 1520, CZ-1490, Praha, Czech Republic or you can find information through ARP/050, Greencoat House, Francis Street, London SW1P 1OZ.