November 1, 2006 Keeping An Open Mind

How Memory Works Understanding memory and how it works can be very complicated. Therefore in this month's Newsletter, I will focus on explaining the three basic memory functions: Acquisition (or encoding); Consolidation (or storing); Retrieval (or recalling). Acquisition (encoding): Memories are formed by acquiring (or learning) information. In this stage you actively receive and process data. This data gets placed, for a time, into temporary nerve cells, like the ram in your computer. This information can have color, sound, smell or emotion connected to it. The more the memory is connected to one of the senses the more likely it is that it will stay with you. Depending on how important or meaningful the memory is to you, it will either get dissolved or get transferred to storage. Consolidation (storage): Once a memory is acquired it has to be strengthened or enhanced to be consolidated and stored for while. A memory can often be reinforced because it relates to an already pre-existing memory. For example, you would likely remember learning something new about your spouse or loved one than you would about a complete stranger because of all the corresponding spouse memories in your brain. Retrieval (recalling): We use our short-term or working memory to retain and retrieve lots of data every day. Remembering a phone number or someone’s name is an example of short-term memory recall. Here is where the brain calls upon the nerve-cell pathways to bring up stored data. The retrieval process can be slow or fast (instant recall) depending on many variables such as: how relevant the material was in the first place, how rested you are at the time you are trying to remember and how emotional you feel at that moment. Long term memory is where working memory stores data. Long term memory is the equivalent to a storage disc or hard drive where the data is kept permanently. In order for something to be stored in long term memory it has to be strengthened or reinforced. This incredible process involves a part of the brain known as the hippocampus, located in the inner fold of the temporal lobe (we actually have two hippocampi, one on each side of the brain). The hippocampus is responsible for sorting through all these bits of data, like code, and making sense of them by sending them back to our consciousness with meaning. When a memory gets reinforced through repetition it travels through the hippocampus several times so as to become “imprinted” or permanently stored. Improving memory, both short and long term, has always been a challenge. In the next article I give some tips about how to improve your memory. .