diff --git a/skills/cognitive-memory/client.py b/skills/cognitive-memory/client.py
index d36046e..07400f0 100644
--- a/skills/cognitive-memory/client.py
+++ b/skills/cognitive-memory/client.py
@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ def calculate_decay_score(
     decay_score = importance * e^(-lambda * days) * log2(access_count + 1) * type_weight
     """
     time_factor = math.exp(-DECAY_LAMBDA * days_since_access)
-    usage_factor = math.log2(access_count + 1) if access_count > 0 else 0.5
+    usage_factor = math.log2(access_count + 1) if access_count > 0 else 1.0
     return importance * time_factor * usage_factor * type_weight