What Is Our Memory Capable Of Essay Example

remember accurately. For those who want to know more about neurons, here is a brief explanation.

Although it is currently unverified, there is a possibility for the emergence of new neurons as we age, despite the belief that neurons in our brain do not die or get replaced.

With approximately 100 billion neurons in our brain, these cells play a crucial role in memory storage and formation. Each neuron establishes connections with at least 10,000 other neurons.

The purpose of the interconnectedness of all neurons is to enhance information transmission during memory formation. Signals are exchanged between neurons, potentially leading to the loss or forgetting of certain details from past memories, depending on the involved neurons.

Causes of Long Term Memory Loss

Long term memory often weakens as individuals age. However, there are cases where not only does it weaken, but memories are completely lost. Difficulties in recalling past events like birthdays characterize long term memory loss. Several factors can contribute to this type of memory loss including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, anterograde amnesia (which impairs short-term memory transfer into long-term memory), and head injuries that damage the neocortex (a brain region affecting memory). Memories associated with a specific area of the neocortex are lost when that particular area is damaged.

Damage to the neocortical region responsible for language can result in lasting memory problems related to semantic language memories, which involve storing knowledge like spoken languages. Long-term memory loss is strongly influenced by chronic stress because it causes the release of cortisol, a hormone that can harm the brain if it continues for a long time. Cortisol impacts neurotransmitters vital for neuron communication and thus affects the retrieval of long-term memories.

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some cases, temporary memory loss can occur as a result of high levels of stress. It is important to effectively manage stress in order to control the power of long term memories.

Categorization of Long Term Memory

There are two main categories for long term memory: declarative memory and procedural memory. Procedural memory involves knowledge that is acquired without conscious thought.

This particular type of memory helps us remember basic procedures or tasks in our daily lives, such as tying shoes, swimming, or playing a memorized song on an instrument. Procedural memory becomes effective through repeated practice, like when learning a new language. On the other hand, declarative memory is another form of long-term memory that stores information about events or facts we have learned and helps recall facts for studying.

Declarative memories are consciously recalled knowledge already known to you, such as being aware of your school's specific starting time. To remember this information, you utilize declarative memory by recollecting the fundamental piece of knowledge and retaining the precise starting time of your school.

The two types of declarative memory are semantic memory and episodic memory. Semantic memory is responsible for remembering special dates, such as birthdays or holidays, and helps us acquire knowledge and remember facts. It also aids in learning concepts used in subjects like math. Semantic memory typically lasts longer than episodic memory because it is essential for learning, whether in school or other settings. Episodic memories, on the other hand, focus more on creating memories from experiences rather than learning facts. If an episodic memory is remembered as a fact, it can then be transferred to semantic memory.

Episodic memories, our recollections of past experiences, are

affected by the emotions we experienced during those events. Traumatic events are especially memorable because of the strong emotions associated with them. These memories not only help us remember specific experiences but also aid in differentiating real events from imagined ones, avoiding confusion and mistaking imaginary memories for actual past events.

The Brain Regions Responsible for Long Term Memory

Different parts of the brain regulate various types of memory. The amygdala, hippocampus, and neocortex have a role in controlling declarative memory.

If you are uncertain about the functions of these brain areas, here are some explanations. The amygdala, located in the lower region of the temporal lobe of the brain, aids in assigning emotional significance to memories and reinforcing specific memories, especially those associated with fear. Additionally, it plays a role in forming new memories.

The hippocampus, found in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, plays a crucial role in memory processes, particularly in declarative memory. Positioned centrally, there are two hippocampi on each side of the brain. Its main function is to select and move specific short-term memories for storage as long-term memories.

During sleep, your brain reenacts the day's events to aid in transferring memories from short-term to long-term storage. While these memories are not stored permanently here, they eventually migrate to the neocortex. The neocortex, which is both the largest section of your cerebral cortex and your entire brain, has the role of managing declarative memory.

If memory is the largest component of the brain, it is important to store it properly in the neocortex for long-term recollection. While sleeping, the hippocampus transfers long-term memory to the neocortex. Therefore, studying extensively before going to bed is crucial

for improving retrieval of information from short-term memory upon waking up. In addition to its role in memory storage, the neocortex also influences language through declarative memory. Procedural memory involves the basal ganglia and cerebellum, with the basal ganglia located deep within our brain.

The cerebellum, positioned at the base and back of the brain, has multiple functions. It supports memorization of sequences such as dancing, playing an instrument, or playing sports. It also helps in memorizing processes like forming habits or acquiring new knowledge. Moreover, it enhances learning and attention for memory purposes. Additionally, the cerebellum is specialized in coordinating movement and controlling reflex memory while also assisting in sequence learning.

The cerebellum, which has more neurons than the entire brain combined, plays a crucial role in memory.

Henry Molaison: The Story of His Memory Loss

Henry Molaison, also known as "H.M", suffered from memory loss after an unsuccessful brain surgery in 1953 at Hartford hospital. At 27 years old, Molaison had been experiencing epileptic seizures for many years due to a childhood injury where he fell and fractured his skull. In search of relief, Molaison turned to renowned neurosurgeon William Beecher Scoville, who suggested removing both of his hippocampi to stop the seizures.

In the 1950’s, there was limited understanding of the hippocampus and its role in memory. This lack of knowledge caused William to be unaware of the consequences that would result from the surgery. The procedure involved using a long metal tube to remove Henry’s hippocampus, which was a common practice at that time. At first, the surgery appeared successful as Henry’s seizures decreased and his IQ improved. However, it soon became apparent that

something was seriously amiss. Although Henry could still remember things from before the surgery, he suffered permanent memory loss for events that took place afterwards. Any new information he acquired would quickly slip from his memory.

Before Henry's memory loss, the medical community had limited understanding of the hippocampus and its role in memory. However, Henry's condition proved to be a significant breakthrough for neurosurgeons and neurologists. It was revealed that removing one hippocampus does not greatly affect brain function because the remaining side compensates for it. Nonetheless, removing both hippocampi results in permanent memory loss since this region is responsible for storing memories. Thus, Henry's surgery provided valuable insights into the functioning of the hippocampus and its influence on memory.

Following surgery, Henry suffered from memory loss which affected his ability to form new memories. Consequently, he would eat multiple meals in a brief period and frequently struggled to recall the current date or month. There were occasions when he even forgot his age or whether his parents were still alive. Despite these difficulties, Henry's talent for playing the piano remained unaffected.

Henry relied on procedural memory when playing the piano, as the tunes were deeply ingrained in his mind. He extensively practiced prior to his surgery, enabling him to effortlessly perform on the piano. However, after the surgery, there were moments when he would struggle to recall how to play. Yet, on other occasions, he would effortlessly play entire songs without conscious knowledge, thanks to his memorization of the music. Recognizing Henry as an ideal candidate, other neurosurgeons conducted numerous experiments on him over a span of 55 years, primarily at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Through

extensive research, our knowledge of memory has been significantly enhanced by studying H.M. He is the most extensively studied case in medical and psychological history, being mentioned in almost 12,000 journal articles. Unfortunately, on December 2nd, 2008, at the age of 82, H.M passed away. However, his contributions continue to leave a lasting impact as they have led to numerous advancements in brain research and our comprehension of memory.