The Unknown Link Between Memory And The Brain

The mind works in a similar manner as a computer. This is in the manner in which it stores information which it finds as important in ways similar to files. This memory is not always perfect, and its function diminishes as people get older. Memory can be defined as a process whereby information on our experiences is stored which we then recover when we recollect them. We often forget things, and this is normal. But some ways in which things are forgotten are an indication of more serious problems. For instance, experiencing difficulties in finding the way home or forgetting such a basic thing as using the telephone can indicate serious problems.

However, research has shown that higher education reduces this effect of age on the mind. Studies in young adults have shown that education had a negative connection with frontal activity while education in older adults connected positively with frontal activity. The same studies found that more education in young adults connected positively with medial temporal activity while less education in older adults gave the same results. This shows that older adults especially those that are highly educated, employ the frontal cortex to help cognitive function.

Neurologists have divided memory into two divisions: short term memory or STM, also known as working memory, and long term memory or LTM.

Short term memory works like the virtual memory in a computer, as it remembers the information in use. Studies have shown that most people put between five and nine items in their short term memories at any given time. Trying to remember more than that causes forgetfulness of some items. In STM, the cerebral cortex of the brain recognizes nerve messages from organs such as the eyes and ears, as well as the touch sensors. The sensory memory holds this sensory stimulus for a fraction for a fraction of a second. If the individual pays attention to this image for a period of eight consecutive seconds, the stimulus is encoded into the short term memory, failure to which the image is lost. Thereafter, the memory is stored in something similar to an electronic tape loop. When somethingsimilar to the completion of a loop is made, one of three things may take place: One, the information can be repeated, either silently or aloud, or it can go into long term memory, or, lastly, the information can be lost.

Long term memory is the part of our memory having unlimited capacity for storing information and it can be for an extended period of time. The LTM represents three kinds of memory: 1) procedural memory, which is memory that represents skill learning motor or learning such as tying your shoelace. 2) Declarative memory which is a memory for facts. It acquires memories, such as names and dates, fast and loses them fast as well. 3) Remote memories are memories that were collected early, and which form the basis of more recent memories. This kind of memory is therefore easily changed or lost.

Scientists are discovering new facts conce
ing the nature of memory and its link to the brain. There is therefore a lot of information conce
ing the unknown link between the memory and the brain.