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.