“Ah yes, I remember it well” (Maurice Chevalier in “Gigi”)
Memory 1. – memory is the sum total of who you are. Think about it! Imagine what your world would be like without memory – if you suddenly developed amnesia. You would still be a functioning being, albeit a physical shell, walking around with a blank slate without stored information. Books and movies have been created on this subject. It is frightening and devastating.
As I have traveled around the country teaching brain fitness, the topic that people want to know about most is preserving their memory. Memory loss is one of the greatest fears of most people as they age. Understandably so. Because this is true, I will devote two sessions to the topic of memory. This article is based on what memory is and how it works, and next session will focus on how to keep your memory strong and functioning and the 3rd will be a fun memory quiz.
Just what is memory? When an event takes place, or you learn something new, or meet someone, your brain determines whether that information needs to be saved. If your brain judges this new information to be important, it goes through a process of recording the information in what is known as “memory.”
Memory is a neural activity, involving many different areas and processes of the brain and nervous system (did you know that all memory is not in your brain?). Memory is a three stage process of information retention. Something is (1) experienced, (2) stored and (3) available for retrieval.
There are essentially two types of memory – Short Term or working memory and Long Term or stored memory. Short Term Memory (STM) is focused on what you are doing at the moment. You must focus on something for at least 8 seconds in order for it to be processed and stored. Long Term Memory (LTM) is the storage area from which you can retrieve information. LTM is divided into “procedural” memory – skills that your body just knows how to do such as ride a bike, type a sentence or tie your shoes. You don’t have to think about it, your brain just pulls out what is already stored in various areas. The other is “declarative” memory – events and information that are stored for you to declare or describe – new facts, situations and so forth.
Declarative memory is further broken down into “episodic” memory – episodes or events that have happened in your life, and “semantic” memory – stories of your life. Episodic memory is mostly gathered through your senses; sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. Arguably your sense of smell is the most powerful memory booster. Right now, stop and think of a smell from your childhood. Can you see your grandmother as you smell her bread (or oatmeal cookies) baking? Semantic memory is very personal and is often different from someone else who shared the same experience. You overlay your own values and experiences on the event which makes it uniquely yours.
The good news is you can practice keeping your memory strong. More on strengthening memory next time.
Barbara Bruce
Aging Well Facilitator
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