In mathematics, good and consistent notation does help learning stuff; but I noticed that it can also have some sort of "parasitic" effect and interfere with the true understanding of things, and so I find it useful to try and see if I can understand something given a less elaborate notation (or without one at all).

In general, one has to remember that mathematical notation was invented to make calculations (on paper) more efficient and not with the goal of making it easier to understand things.