MEMORY
Introduction of Memory
Definition of Memory
Memory is the mental capacity to store, retrieve, and utilize information
from past experiences, knowledge, and events. It allows us to remember
information and helps us learn, make decisions, and interact with the
world. “ The faculty of encoding, storing, and retrieving information
(Squire, 2009)”.
Encoding: The process of storing visual, acoustic, or semantic memories
for later recall
Storage: The process of using short-term and long-term memory to store
important information
Retrieval: The process of recalling memories from short-term or long-
term memory
Types of Memory
1.Sensory Functions of sensory
Memory Types memory
Definition: The briefest form of •Iconic memory, which is •prevents being
memory that retains information obtained through sight for overwhelmed
from the senses after the milliseconds.
original stimulus is no longer •gives decision time
present. •Echoic memory, which is
auditory, for 3-4 seconds. •provides stability, playback,
Duration: Less than a second
•Haptic memory, which is and recognition
(visual) to a few seconds
(auditory). through touch for 2 seconds.
Example: Noticing an object in
the periphery of your vision but
forgetting it within moments.
2. Short-Term Memory (Working
Memory)
Definition Function
Attending: selectively attend to
Stores information temporarily for information that is relevant and
immediate use, generally lasting disregard everything else.
about 20-30 seconds.
Rehearsing: allows you to hold
Example: Remembering a phone information for a short period of time
number just long enough to dial it. until you decide what to do with it.
Storing: helps to store or encode
information in long-term memory.
3. Long-term Memory
Types
Declarative versus
Definition procedural or non-
Long-term memory refers to the declarative
process of storing almost unlimited
amounts of information over long
periods of time with the potential of
retrieving, or remembering, such
information in the future.
Types of long-term Memory
Explicit (Declarative)
Memory Implicit (Non-Declarative)
Involves memories for facts or events, such Memory
as scenes, stories, words, conversations, Involves memories for motor skills
faces, or daily events .
(playing tennis), some cognitive behaviors
Semantic memory learned through classical conditioning.
Involves knowledge of facts, concepts,
words, definitions, and language rules.
Episodic memory
Involves knowledge of specific events,
personal experiences (episodes), or
activities, such as naming or describing
favorite restaurants, or hobbies.
ENCODING: TRANSFERING
Two kinds of encoding Rehearsing and encoding
1. Automatic encoding
transfer of information from short-term into long-term memory without any effort and usually without any awareness
personal events
1. Maintenance rehearsal
refers to simply repeating or
interesting facts
Skills and habits
2. Effortful encoding
involves the transfer of information from short-term into long-term memory either by working hard to repeat or
rehearse the information or, especially, by making associations between new and old information rehearsing the information rather than
forming any new associations
2. Elaborative rehearsal
involves using effort to actively make
meaningful associations between new
information that you wish to remember
and old or familiar information that is
already stored in long-term memory.
Connection with the Brain
Memory processes involve Symptoms of Memory
several brain regions: Problems
Hippocampus: Converts short-term memories Common symptoms include:
to long-term memories, especially declarative
Frequently forgetting things (recent
memories.
events, conversations).
Amygdala: Connects emotional memories,
influencing what we remember based on Trouble learning new information.
emotion. Getting lost in familiar places.
Prefrontal Cortex: Involved in working Difficulty following directions or finding
memory and decision-making.
the right words.
Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia: Involved
If memory issues are impacting daily
in procedural memories like learning skills.
life, it could be a sign of conditions like
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or
dementia.
Causes
Psychological Neurological
Physical Factors Factors Conditions
•Brain tumor, head trauma •After a major, traumatic or •Alzheimer disease
stressful event
•Head injuries, stroke, •Vascular dementia
infections. •Bipolar disorder
•Lewy body dementia
•Multiple sclerosis , Dementia •Depression or other mental
•Major surgery or severe illness, health disorders, such as •Fronto-temporal dementia
including brain surgery schizophrenia
•Normal pressure hydrocephalus
•Transient global amnesia • Parkinson’s disease.
(sudden, temporary loss of
memory) of unclear cause
Diagnosis/Assessment
Diagnosis Test and Assessment
Medical History and Interview: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): Measures
Understanding symptoms and lifestyle cognitive impairment by asking questions and
factors.
performing tasks.
Cognitive Tests: Assessing memory Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Assesses
function (e.g., MMSE). memory, attention, and other cognitive functions.
Neuroimaging: MRI or CT scans to detect Neuropsychological Testing: Series of tests that
structural abnormalities. assess memory, problem-solving, and language skills.
Laboratory Tests: Rule out Imaging Tests (MRI, CT Scan): Visualize brain
deficiencies (e.g., B12) or infections. structure for potential abnormalities affecting memory.
Clinical Evaluation: Reviewing symptoms,
medical history, and daily life impact.
Cognitive Tests: Administering memory
assessments to gauge cognitive health.
TREATMENT
Medical Treatments Therapy
Cholinesterase Inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil): Used Therapy: Cognitive therapy and
for Alzheimer’s disease.
memory training exercises to improve
NMDA Receptor Antagonists (e.g., Memantine): recall and cognition.
Helps slow progression of memory loss in
moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. Alternative Therapies: In some
Lifestyle Changes cases, therapies like mindfulness
Regular exercise and healthy diet. meditation or aromatherapy may
Mental stimulation (puzzles, reading).
support memory improvement.
Adequate sleep and stress management.
