Как можно потерять память специально: Как потерять память, как безболезненно удалить и стереть все воспоминания человеку и специально вызвать амнезию в домашних условиях

В сериалах потеря памяти — это когда человек не узнает близких. А как в реальности амнезия влияет на навыки? Что именно забывают люди?

Вашим вопросом вы открыли ящик Пандоры и мы попробуем описать все свои теоретические знания по феномену амнезий, полученные за курс нейропсихологии. Для ответа на ваш вопросы мы будем использовать классификацию, разработанную основателем отечественной нейпропсихологии А.Р. Лурией. Однако, сначала давайте обратимся к определению, а также тем видам амнезии, которые наиболее часто встречаются в научных классификациях.

Амнезия — это нарушение памяти в виде утраты способности сохранять и воспроизводить ранее приобретенные знания. В целом, мы можем говорить, что память, как процесс, включает в себя следующие этапы: регистрация, кодирование, воспроизведение информации. Нарушение любых отделов мозга, отвечающих за эти этапы, может привести к амнезии.

Выделяют следующие виды амнезии:

1. Фиксационная амнезия, частным случаем которой является корсаковский синдром, при котором больной способен вспомнить и воспроизвести прошлый опыт, но не помнит событий настоящего.
2. Ретроградная амнезия — амнезия на события, которые предшествовали событию, вызвавшему амнезию.
3. Антероградная — амнезия на события, последовавшие событию, которое привело к амнезии.

А.Р. Лурия предложил собственную классификацию, которая строилась на его собственном опыте работы в госпитале с ранеными солдатами, и крайне сильно отличалась от аналогов. Он выделяет:

1. Модально-неспецифические нарушения памяти — плохое запечатление информации любой модальности. Сюда относятся нарушения кратковременной памяти с повышенной интерференцией следов (побочная деятельность предложенная после предъявления материала может полностью стереть воспоминания о материале), корсаковский синдром, а также расстройства семантической памяти, т.е. памяти на логически связанные события.
2. Модально-специфические нарушения памяти, т.е. нарушение памяти, связанной с конкретной анализаторной системой. Сюда мы можем отнести нарушения зрительной, слухоречевой, музыкальной, тактильной и двигательной памяти. Например, при оптико-мнестической форме афазии определенным образом нарушается зрительно-речевая память и больные не могут назвать предлагаемый предмет, хотя функциональное значение его для них понятно и они пытаются его описать. Т.е. у этих больных нарушены зрительные представления объектов, однако они не обнаруживают никаких собственно зрительных расстройств, полностью ориентируясь в окружающем мире.
3. Нарушения памяти при поражении лобных долей мозга. В первую очередь нарушается функция произвольности памяти и сюда относится псевдоамнезия, т.е. нарушение памяти как деятельности.. Так, например, если такому больному показать несколько картинок, то он легко узнает их среди множества других, однако, если ему дать задание запомнить их, то оказывается, что он это сделать не может.

Теперь перейдем к наиболее интересной части этой классификации. Существует еще несколько видов амнезий, описанных Лурия:

1. Гиперамнезия — резкое увеличение объема и прочности запоминания материала по сравнению со средними показателями. Почитайте труд “Маленькая книжка о большой памяти”, где Лурия подробно описывает этот феномен.
2. Гипоамнезия — ослабление памяти, которые, как правило, носят общий характер.
3. Парамнезии — “ложное узнавание”. Например, человек вспоминает то, чего не было.

В конце хочется подчеркнуть, что фильмы и сериалы не то, чтобы показывают ложь, они скорее не показывают всей правды. Феномен амнезии куда более глубокий и комплексный. Даже наш ответ носит очень поверхностный характер и для реального понимание необходима хорошая научная подготовка, а также огромное количество времени, потраченного на изучение. Однако, хотим посоветовать вам ознакомиться с работами А.Р. Лурия, которые написаны в довольно популярном стиле и напоминают больше роман, а не научную работу. Одна книга указана выше, а вторая — это “Потерянный и возвращенный мир”.

Как можно потерять память?. Все обо всем. Том 3

Как можно потерять память?

Ни один человек не может точно знать, сколько он помнит всякой всячины. Попробуйте закрыть глаза и вспомнить все, что вы видели когда бы то ни было. Всех людей, все дома, все улицы, все предметы, на которые вы смотрели, все слова и числа, которые вы учили. Кажется, что этому нет конца. В нашем мозгу есть центр зрительной памяти, куда откладываются миллионы образов, как в хорошем фотоархиве. Мы до сих пор не можем объяснить, как происходит это чудо запоминания. Но мы знаем, что это происходит по порядку, всоответствии с объектами. Из-за этого упорядоченного расположения вполне возможно, что одна секция может быть повреждена или уничтожена, не затронув остальные участки памяти.

Например, при повреждении мозга или кровоизлиянии человек может потерять некоторую часть из запасов своей памяти. Он может забыть, как пользоваться словами, но продолжать использовать цифры! Иногда у людей могут быть провалы в памяти, связанные с преклонным возрастом или травмой, вследствие чего они перестают узнавать предметы, которые видят. Но, прикоснувшись к ним, они их узнают, потому что сознание не зависит от запасов зрительной памяти.

В мозгу имеется и центр слуховой памяти. Здесь откладываются все звуки, которые мы помним, что напоминает фонотеку. Человек может страдать от амнезии. Обычно причиной ее бывает состояние сильного волнения, из-за чего человек забывает определенные вещи, которые он подсознательно не желает вспомнить. Но при лечении амнезии эти воспоминания могут восстановиться и память возвращается в нормальное состояние.

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90000 Memory loss: When to seek help 90001

90002 Memory loss: When to seek help 90003 90004 90005 A number of conditions — not only Alzheimer’s disease — can cause memory loss in older adults. Getting a prompt diagnosis and appropriate care is important. 90006 90007 By Mayo Clinic Staff

90005 Everyone forgets things at times. How often have you misplaced your car keys or forgotten the name of a person you just met? 90006
90005 Some degree of memory problems, as well as a modest decline in other thinking skills, is a fairly common part of aging.There’s a difference, however, between normal changes in memory and memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. And some memory problems are the result of treatable conditions. 90006
90005 If you’re having memory problems, talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis and appropriate care. 90006

90014 Memory loss and aging 90015

90005 Normal age-related memory loss does not prevent you from living a full, productive life. For example, you might occasionally forget a person’s name, but recall it later in the day.You might misplace your glasses sometimes. Or maybe you need to make lists more often than in the past to remember appointments or tasks. 90006
90005 These changes in memory are generally manageable and do not disrupt your ability to work, live independently or maintain a social life. 90006

90014 Memory loss and dementia 90015

90005 The word «dementia» is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms, including impairment in memory, reasoning, judgment, language and other thinking skills.Dementia usually begins gradually, worsens over time and impairs a person’s abilities in work, social interactions and relationships. 90006
90005 Often, memory loss that disrupts your life is one of the first or more-recognizable signs of dementia. Other early signs might include: 90006
90026
90027 Asking the same questions repeatedly 90028
90027 Forgetting common words when speaking 90028
90027 Mixing words up — saying «bed» instead of «table,» for example 90028
90027 Taking longer to complete familiar tasks, such as following a recipe 90028
90027 Misplacing items in inappropriate places, such as putting a wallet in a kitchen drawer 90028
90027 Getting lost while walking or driving in a familiar area 90028
90027 Having changes in mood or behavior for no apparent reason 90028
90041
90005 Diseases that cause progressive damage to the brain — and consequently result in dementia — include: 90006
90026
90027 Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia 90028
90027 Vascular dementia 90028
90027 Frontotemporal dementia 90028
90027 Lewy body dementia 90028
90041
90005 The disease process (pathology) of each of these conditions differs somewhat.Memory impairment is not always the first sign, and the type of memory problems varies. It’s also possible to have more than one type of dementia, known as mixed dementia. 90006

90014 Mild cognitive impairment 90015

90005 This involves a notable decline in at least one area of ​​thinking skills, such as memory, that’s greater than the changes of aging and less than those of dementia. Having mild cognitive impairment does not prevent you from performing everyday tasks and being socially engaged.90006
90005 Researchers and physicians are still learning about mild cognitive impairment. For many people, the condition eventually progresses to dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease or another disorder causing dementia. 90006
90005 Other people’s memory loss does not progress much, and they do not develop the spectrum of symptoms associated with dementia. 90006

90014 Reversible causes of memory loss 90015

90005 Many medical problems can cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms.Most of these conditions can be treated. Your doctor can screen you for conditions that cause reversible memory impairment. 90006
90005 Possible causes of reversible memory loss include: 90006
90026
90027 90072 Medications. 90073 Certain medications or a combination of medications can cause forgetfulness or confusion. 90028
90027 90072 Minor head trauma or injury. 90073 A head injury from a fall or accident — even if you do not lose consciousness — can cause memory problems. 90028
90027 90072 Emotional disorders.90073 Stress, anxiety or depression can cause forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating and other problems that disrupt daily activities. 90028
90027 90072 Alcoholism. 90073 Chronic alcoholism can seriously impair mental abilities. Alcohol can also cause memory loss by interacting with medications. 90028
90027 90072 Vitamin B-12 deficiency. 90073 Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. A vitamin B-12 deficiency — common in older adults — can cause memory problems.90028
90027 90072 Hypothyroidism. 90073 An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can result in forgetfulness and other thinking problems. 90028
90027 90072 Brain diseases. 90073 A tumor or infection in the brain can cause memory problems or other dementia-like symptoms. 90028
90041

90014 When to see your doctor 90015

90005 If you’re concerned about memory loss, see your doctor. There are tests to determine the degree of memory impairment and diagnose the cause. 90006
90005 Your doctor is likely to ask you questions.It’s good to have a family member or friend along to answer some questions based on observations. Questions might include: 90006
90026
90027 When did your memory problems begin? 90028
90027 What medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements, do you take and in what doses? 90028
90027 Have you recently started a new drug? 90028
90027 What tasks do you find difficult? 90028
90027 What have you done to cope with memory problems? 90028
90027 How much alcohol do you drink? 90028
90027 Have you recently been in an accident, fallen or injured your head? 90028
90027 Have you recently been sick? 90028
90027 Do you feel sad, depressed or anxious? 90028
90027 Have you recently had a major loss, a major change or stressful event in your life? 90028
90041
90005 In addition to a general physical exam, your doctor will likely conduct question-and-answer tests to judge your memory and other thinking skills.He or she may also order blood tests and brain-imaging tests that can help identify reversible causes of memory problems and dementia-like symptoms. 90006
90005 You might be referred to a specialist in diagnosing dementia or memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician. 90006

90014 The importance of a diagnosis 90015

90005 Coming to terms with memory loss and the possible onset of dementia can be difficult. Some people try to hide memory problems, and some family members or friends compensate for a person’s loss of memory, sometimes without being aware of how much they’ve adapted to the impairment.90006
90005 Getting a prompt diagnosis is important, even if it’s challenging. Identifying a reversible cause of memory impairment enables you to get appropriate treatment. Also, an early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder is beneficial because you can: 90006
90026
90027 Begin treatments to manage symptoms 90028
90027 Educate yourself and loved ones about the disease 90028
90027 Determine future care preferences 90028
90027 Identify care facilities or at-home care options 90028
90027 Settle financial or legal matters 90028
90041
90005 Your doctor can help you identify community resources and organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, to help you cope with memory loss and other dementia symptoms.90006

April 19, 2019

Show references
90152
90027 Forgetfulness: Knowing when to ask for help. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/forgetfulness. Accessed March 28, 2017. 90028
90027 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Association. http://www.alz.org/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers-dementia.asp. Accessed March 28, 2017. 90028
90027 McDade EM, et al. Mild cognitive impairment: Epidemiology, pathology and clinical assessment.http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 28, 2017. 90028
90027 Alzheimer’s disease fact sheet. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet. Accessed March 28, 2017. 90028
90027 Understanding memory loss: What to do when you have trouble remembering. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/understanding-memory-loss/serious-memory-problems-causes-and-treatments. Accessed March 28 2017.90028
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See more In-depth

90005
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90006.90000 What Every Family Needs to Know 90001 90002 Short-term memory loss is when you forget things you heard, saw, or did recently. It’s a normal part of getting older for many people. But it can also be a sign of a deeper problem, such as dementia, a brain injury, or a mental health issue. 90003 90002 Short-term memory is how your brain stores small amounts of information it’s just taken in. To scientists, short-term memory is often divided between working memory and short-term memory. People typically talk about short-term memory without making such distinctions.90003 90002 In general, short-term memory loss involves forgetting recent things. This can lead to: 90003 90008 90009 asking the same questions repeatedly 90010 90009 forgetting where you just put something 90010 90009 forgetting recent events 90010 90009 forgetting something you saw or read recently 90010 90017 90002 First, your doctor will ask you questions about your memory loss , such as how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and ways you’ve tried to deal with the memory loss. 90003 90002 They’ll also ask you about: 90003 90008 90009 your general health and lifestyle 90010 90009 any recent injuries or illnesses 90010 90009 medications you take 90010 90009 how much you drink alcohol 90010 90009 how you’ve been feeling emotionally 90010 90009 diet and sleep habits 90010 90017 90002 Next, they’ll do a general physical exam to check for any potential medical issues.They might order blood tests to check for other conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or infection, that might help explain your symptoms. 90003 90002 Your doctor may recommend you have brain scans such as MRI or CT scan to see if there’s a physical cause for your memory loss. 90003 90002 Your doctor might also do cognitive tests to examine your memory issues more closely. These tests may involve: 90003 90008 90009 testing your attention span by seeing how well you can complete a thought or task 90010 90009 asking basic questions, such as what the date is and where you live 90010 90009 having you do basic math and spelling 90010 90009 asking you to go through what you might do in certain scenarios, such as if you found a wallet on the ground, to test your problem-solving skills 90010 90009 talking to you about recent events 90010 90017 90002 Depending on what they think might be causing your memory loss, your doctor might refer you to a specialist, such as a psychologist, for additional memory and cognitive testing.90003 90002 There are many potential causes of short-term memory loss. They include: 90003 90008 90009 aging 90010 90009 dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Lewy body dementia 90010 90009 brain tumors 90010 90009 blood clots or bleeding in your brain 90010 90009 head injuries, such as concussions 90010 90009 infections in or around your brain 90010 90009 mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety 90010 90009 substance use disorder 90010 90009 stress 90010 90009 illnesses or conditions that damage brain tissue, such as Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease 90010 90009 not having enough of certain vitamins or minerals, most commonly B-12 , in your body 90010 90009 inadequate sleep 90010 90009 certain medications, including statins, anxiety medication, and antiseizure drugs 90010 90009 post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 90010 90017 90002 In some cases, doctors do not know the cause of short-term memory loss.Some causes of short-term memory loss are progressive, which means they get worse over time and may lead to long-term memory loss. These causes include dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. There are no cures for these diseases, but some treatments may help improve some symptoms. 90003 90002 Treatment for short-term memory loss depends on the underlying cause. Some potential treatments include: 90003 90008 90009 surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation for brain tumors 90010 90009 medication to treat blood clots or, in some cases, surgery to treat bleeding in your brain 90010 90009 cognitive therapy for such conditions as head injury 90010 90009 therapy or medication for mental health conditions 90010 90009 switching medications 90010 90009 nutritional supplements 90010 90009 rehab or other support for substance use disorder 90010 90017 90002 There’s no cure for some causes of short-term memory loss, including dementia from Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.90003 90002 However, there are medications that may help to slow progression and ease your symptoms, including short-term memory loss. 90003 90002 In many cases, your short-term memory loss will improve when the underlying cause is treated. For some of these causes — such as blood clots or bleeding — it’s important to get treated early to avoid permanent damage. 90003 90002 Some treatments will work immediately, such as switching medications or taking supplements. Others, such as treatment for mental health issues or substance use, might take longer.Short-term memory loss from injuries may or may not be permanent. 90003 90002 You might have heard that certain vitamin supplements can help improve your short-term memory. However, even though these supplements are safe, there’s conflicting research on whether they help memory loss. 90003 90002 In some cases, they can be helpful. For example, a B-12 supplement may help if your short-term memory loss is caused by a B-12 deficiency. 90003 90002 Otherwise, there’s mixed evidence for how well other supplements work for memory loss.For example, ginkgo biloba is a popular supplement for memory and concentration issues. But a review of 36 studies found that while the supplement is safe, its effects on dementia or other cognitive impairments is inconsistent and unreliable. 90003 90002 Fish oil is another supplement you may have heard helps memory. A Cochrane review found that fish oil does not have any significant cognitive benefits for healthy older adults. However, they suggested that more research should be done on this topic.90003 90002 Curcumin, which is extracted from turmeric, has been said to help improve cognitive function, including memory. 90003 90002 A review of curcumin’s effect on people with Alzheimer’s disease found that there’s some evidence that curcumin positively affects some of the pathways affected by Alzheimer’s disease. However, the researchers found that more research is needed to say definitively if curcumin can help memory problems. 90003 90002 Even if supplements are not effective in treating short-term memory loss, there are some lifestyle modifications you can try, including: 90003 90008 90009 getting a good night’s sleep 90010 90009 exercising regularly 90010 90009 eating healthy foods, including lots of fruits , vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats 90010 90009 doing puzzles and other activities that challenge your brain 90010 90009 eliminating clutter around your house to help reduce distractions 90010 90009 creating to-do lists and schedules to help you stay on track 90010 90017 90002 The main risks of short-term memory loss are from the underlying conditions, rather than the memory loss itself.However, if it becomes severe, short-term memory loss can make it difficult for you to live alone without daily help. It can impact your ability to: 90003 90008 90009 care for yourself 90010 90009 take medications safely 90010 90009 drive 90010 90017 90002 Treatments for short-term memory loss are generally safe. Surgery and medication always come with risks of side effects, but those are less likely when you’re under the care of an experienced doctor. 90003 90002 If you’re concerned about your short-term memory loss, you should ask your doctor about it, especially as you age.90003 90002 If your memory loss and its symptoms interfere with your daily life, or if you have other symptoms of potential causes, you should definitely see your doctor. 90003 90002 Short-term memory loss is a normal part of aging for many people, but this type of memory loss generally does not create any problems with living or functioning independently. 90003 90002 However, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem, including dementia, a brain injury or infection, or other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.90003 90002 Many of these potential underlying conditions can be treated, especially if caught early. If your short-term memory interferes with your life or you have other symptoms, talk to your doctor. 90003.90000 7 Steps to Rescue Your Memory When You Start to Lose it 90001 90002 Losing your memory or developing brain fog in your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, or even 80’s is NOT normal. Just because it happens to so many people and is somewhat common does not mean that it is normal or healthy. It is a sign of trouble and needs to be taken seriously. 90003
90004 90005 Putting a Memory Rescue Plan in Place 90006 90007
90002 If you experience challenges with your memory, it is important to realize that you are on a precipice — you can ignore the fact that you are standing on the edge of that cliff, keep walking and fall off.Or you can get serious about taking better care of your brain, and turn around. 90003
90002 If you want to rescue your memory, here are 7 steps to take: 90003
90012 90005 Love and Protect Your Brain 90006 90015
90002 Just as a parent shields a child from harm, it is imperative to take a proactive approach in keeping your brain safe from trouble. As simple as this idea is, most people never really think about brain security. Remember — your brain is soft, your skull is hard. It is critical that you protect your brain from concussions.You can also protect your brain by reducing your exposure to toxins — such as pesticides, molds, carbon monoxide, cleaning products, heavy metals, drugs, and alcohol. 90003
90012 90005 Know and Optimize Your Important Numbers 90006 90015
90002 Having important health numbers at an optimal level is critical to brain function. However, you can not change what you do not measure. Be aware of your: 90003
90024
90025 Body mass index (BMI) — as your weight goes up, the size and function of your brain goes down.90026
90025 Blood pressure (BP) — as your BP goes up, it damages blood vessels which dramatically affects the functioning of your brain. 90026
90025 Other important health numbers which affect your brain function — testosterone level, c-reactive protein, thyroid functioning, vitamin D level, fasting blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1-c. 90026
90031
90012 90005 Engage in New Learning 90006 90015
90002 Research is clear that new learning and stimulating lifestyles lead to better cognitive outcomes later in life.If your job does not provide new learning opportunities, create them for yourself — take a class, start a new hobby, learn a new language, begin playing an instrument. 90003
90012 90005 Get Good Sleep 90006 90015
90002 Healthy sleep is absolutely essential to a brain healthy life. Sleep rejuvenates all the cells in your body, gives brain cells a chance to repair themselves, helps wash away neurodegenerative toxins that build up during the day, and activates neuronal connections that might otherwise deteriorate due to inactivity.Practice good sleep hygiene to optimize your sleep habits. 90003
90012 90005 Exercise 90006 90015
90002 Exercise alone is the veritable fountain of youth. The more you exercise, the healthier your blood vessels and blood flow, which leads to overall improved brain function and better memory. Make sure to combine aerobic exercise four to five times per week with weight training two to three times per week. Research shows the stronger you are as you age, the less likely you are to develop Alzheimer’s disease.90003
90012 90005 Use a Multi-Mechanism Approach 90006 90015
90002 When you get sick or age, it is never just one biological mechanism that fails; it is generally multiple mechanisms, such as blood flow, toxic buildup, nutrient depletion, and inflammation. Therefore, it is important to utilize a multiple mechanism approach to improving brain health. 90003
90012 90005 Attack the Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias 90006 90015
90024
90025 Obesity — if you’re overweight, you need to lose weight.90026
90025 Alcohol — stop drinking alcohol; it is not a health food. 90026
90025 Gut health — there is a reason your gut is considered your second brain; balance your gut health. 90026
90025 Marijuana — negatively affects the hippocampus, your brain’s major memory center. 90026
90025 Sleep apnea — decreases memory function when untreated. 90026
90031
90002 Dr. Daniel Amen’s newest book, 90073 Memory Rescue 90074 is available HERE 90073. 90074 90003
90002 If you or a loved one could benefit from an evaluation, please contact Amen Clinics to schedule a visit, or call our Care Center today at 90005 (888) 288-9834.90006 90003
.90000 How you can improve your memory 90001
90002 We know that the process of remembering something makes use of multiple regions and systems in the brain, with different areas all working together to record new information and recall what we’ve already learned and stashed away into long-term memory storage. 90003

90002 But how can you increase the chances of getting important information into your long-term memory-and successfully recalling it later? Some strategies are relatively easy and have overall health benefits-get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.But other methods might take a bit more effort. 90003

90006 How can I improve my memory? 90007

90002 Finding ways to make new information meaningful and personally relevant activates different neural circuitry when compared to more ‘shallow’ levels of processing. For instance, someone glancing briefly at this article on a screen might notice the font, the website layout, the colours, or other superficial features. However, someone who reads the article and recalls a story their mother recently told them about how easily she forgets things may be more likely to remember the content, as it has direct personal relevance.90003

90002 It also helps to form multiple different ‘representations’ of a piece of information. For instance, you might remember a phone number in several different ways: how it looks when it’s written on some paper (visual), what it sounds like when spoken out loud (auditory), or even the movements your fingers make as they move across the buttons on a phone when dialing (spatial). Each of these are encoded differently, meaning there are multiple possible pathways for you to recall the same information.90003

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Write it down, say it out loud, dial it on a keypad-different representations of the memory will help you remember a phone number. Or just save it in your phone. 90013 Image adapted from: Rawpixel.com; CC0 90014

90002 It’s not all about encoding, though. Sleep (especially slow-wave sleep), during which memories are reactivated and rehearsed, appears to be crucial for the consolidation of memories-which is one reason why pulling an all-nighter to study for an exam the next day is not a wise strategy .90003

90002 What about playing puzzles or brain games? If you’re hoping that solving word puzzles might help you to better remember where you keep leaving your car keys, you’re out of luck. Studies have shown that while you may improve your ability to solve word puzzles, those skills will not necessarily transfer across to give other cognitive abilities a boost. There is some evidence that games focused on helping you to think faster may help prevent cognitive decline with age, but a lot of so-called ‘brain training’ games are simply fun ways to spend some time.90003

90006 Memory ‘superpowers’? 90007

90002 What about individuals who seem to have superior memories, like so-called photographic memory or the ability to remember every single day of their lives? What’s special about their abilities-and can we find ways to supercharge our own memories? 90003

90002 In some cases, it may simply be practice: lots and lots of specific, focused practice. London taxi drivers must pass a gruelling test known as The Knowledge, memorising thousands of streets and places of interest around the city before they receive their licence to drive one of the famous black cabs.Studies have shown that successfully passing the test is associated with an increase in size of the posterior hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in spatial memory. And yes, there seems to be some cause-and-effect involved, with researchers examining the brain structures of study participants both prior to taking the test and after passing (or failing) it. 90003

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London cab drivers typically have a larger hippocampus, which is responsible for spatial memory 90013 Image adapted from: mwanasimba; CC BY SA 2.0 90014

90002 However, there are still individuals with memory abilities that are far more extraordinary than this. For example, individuals with highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM) can remember details such as what they wore, what they did, who they were with, or other information for any given date of their lives. 90003

90002 But there’s a downside to having such impressive memory abilities: they also remember in vivid detail every breakup, painful loss and bad event they’ve experienced as though it were only yesterday.Those with HSAM have superior consolidation ( ‘filing away’) and recall of memories, traits that may be linked to obsessive tendencies towards habitually dwelling on past experiences. While they could help provide some insights into how to prevent memory loss, it’s clear that having such a ‘super-memory’ is not necessarily a good thing. 90003

… different areas of the brain all work together to record new information and recall what we’ve already learned …

90002 And what about eidetic (sometimes called ‘photographic’) memory-the ability to recall images in great detail after seeing them for just a few seconds? While case studies of adults claiming to have these abilities have been reported, there are serious scientific doubts about whether these reports are true.A small percentage of young children seem to have greater capacity for eidetic imagery compared to adults, but good-quality scientific evidence of the phenomenon is lacking. 90003

90002 Our memories are a fascinating and remarkable thing, on the one hand enabling us to recall vast amounts of stored information, facts and statistics and, on the other, sometimes letting us down completely as we walk from one room to another and then forget why we’re there. But whether you’re a whiz at pub trivia nights or someone who can never remember their password, it’s clear that our memories help us make sense of the world around us-and they make us who we are.90003

90036 90037 This article has been reviewed by the following expert: 90038 Professor Max Coltheart AM FAA 90039 Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University 90040
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