Memory

Let’s Talk About…

Memory is a dynamic process that allows us to store information, data, or experiences that will be useful for our future decisions.

Memory is a complex brain function. It is a cycle that consists of receiving external or internal signals, encoding them, storing them, and retrieving them. This process does not have a unique location in the brain; it is a system that works in the form of a network. The memory code is relational. Each experience forms a new connection, and a single neuron in memory can be connected to more than one network.

We have several types of memory, which are formed in different ways and stored in a hierarchical order. Not all memories are of the same importance.

Memory has a predictive function. That is, memories influence decision-making. What I perceive informs my brain and shapes my actions. In turn, my actions generate changes in the environment I perceive. In this way, we keep the memory cycle active indefinitely. Memory has a predictive capacity. This is how we learn and build our personality and individual biography.

However, some networks are shared, such as culture or the language codes we use to communicate.

The strength and durability of a memory are related to the emotional circumstances in which it was acquired. Emotions can help strengthen some experiences or exert a completely inhibitory influence.

Most memory functions are located in the limbic system, which is, interestingly, shared with emotions, but there is no single storage area in the brain. Different “memories” are located in specialized locations. Childhood memories are not stored in the same space as words, for example, although to make decisions, we often have to activate different areas simultaneously.

TYPES OF MEMORY

According to the durability of the memory, we talk about short-term memory, medium-term memory, and long-term memory.

Based on the type of information, we distinguish between explicit or declarative memory and implicit or procedural memory.

Declarative memory contains accumulated information about the knowledge of the world and learned concepts (semantic memory) or personal life experiences (episodic memory).

Procedural memory is involved in the learning of motor or cognitive skills. For example, writing or doing mental calculations.

Acquisition of Memory

Alzheimer’s-type dementia is the paradigm of memory diseases, as it involves the progressive loss of brain neurons, starting in the hippocampus (the operational center of memory), but it is not the only one.

Any physical process that causes neuron loss can affect the ability to memorize or lead to the loss of memories.

Severe head trauma, for example, can result in lacunar amnesia: the person cannot remember the traumatic event, and depending on the amount of brain tissue damaged, they may have lost autobiographical memories and abilities.

Most toxins cause alterations in the structures responsible for storing information. Chronic alcohol intoxication can lead to a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which essentially consists of an inability to store information.

Cerebrovascular accidents can leave permanent sequelae on neurons where memories had been stored.

As previously mentioned, emotions play a very important role in the memory process. All psychiatric diseases, such as depression, involve attention and memory disorders, which improve when treated appropriately.

How to Improve Our Memory

Memory health is closely related to overall health. It is definitively proven that good habits improve our cognitive performance.

The Mediterranean diet (fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and wine) promotes circulation and reduces oxidation processes, thereby protecting our brain.

Nighttime rest facilitates information storage.

Aerobic physical exercise improves intellectual performance.

An active social life enhances neural networks and, therefore, keeps the memory cycle of working memory alive.

How We Can Help People with Memory Diseases

We should encourage them to try to be self-sufficient and continue developing those activities they can still perform.

It is important to maintain their routines, or if they don’t have any, create them.

We will make photo albums of their biography to facilitate the evocation of memories.

Daily physical exercise will be of great use.

We will try to perform most tasks in the morning when they are more rested.

We will avoid long naps that may reduce nighttime sleep.

We will maintain an appropriate conversation level to facilitate communication.

We will give them time to respond, without pressing them.

We will avoid the phrase “Don’t you remember?” as it would be like asking someone who has lost their legs to walk.

And above all: we should never blame the patient for their mistakes; the disease is responsible.