The memory, part 1

How likely is it that, after some time, you will still remember what you are reading now? The author regrets to say: not very likely. You may remember roughly where and when you read this article, maybe how you ended up on this website, some parts of the layout, the general content and, if you are very lucky, some specifics. How does our memory actually work?

Creating, storing, retrieving

Our memory functions properly when we are able to create memories, store them for a shorter or longer period and retrieve them. 

Simply put, memories are created by forming connections between brain cells. This is what we call learning.These connections are not just simple lines between a few brain cells, but they are complex networks where information of various kinds is exchanged and mixed. 

Memories are stored in different parts of the brain. Knowing how to hold a spoon when we are eating soup, is stored in a different part of our brain than, for instance, knowing that we ate soup yesterday. Knowing which kinds of spoons there are, is stored in yet another part. 

Memories are retrieved by stimulating the network that created the memory earlier. Because networks often overlap, different memories may be called up: our memory works by association. This is how the spoon in the sink may remind us of yesterday’s soup, and also of the fact that we still have to do the washing up.

The memory

Some examples of our memory at work are: making connections (associating), retrieving relevant information, controlling muscle movement and switching between various occupations. This makes us use the right muscles when we sit in a chair in a restaurant, enables us to converse with our table-companions, view the menu and make our choice. And when we suddenly hear a familiar voice from a table behind us, we are able to recognize it, seemingly out of nowhere. These are all tasks our memory controls. It is a continuous process that for the larger part takes place on an unconscious level. 

There are various levels of memory: The ultra short-term memory, the short-term memory and long-term memory.

The ultra short-term memory

The ultra short-term memory is part of the memory and only has limited potential. The number of data it can store is limited to an average of seven. These data are removed when they are no longer needed or when we are distracted. Remembering a phone number is typical of our ultra short-term memory; as soon as the number has been called or jotted down, we forget it. Using the ultra short-term memory is very taxing for the brain and extended use would take too much energy and drain us. 

Fortunately, we also have a regular short-term memory and a long-term memory. Our memory uses these to retrieve data and to help us with our current tasks.

The short-term memory

Viewing a menu to make a choice involves several parts of the brain and various brain circuits. We read the words, interpret them at the same time and may or may not like the design of the menu and the options. Our choices are based on earlier experiences and on how we imagine the taste of a dish to be, what we feel like eating and how hungry we are.Because so many parts of the brain are active and interacting at the same time, small markers are created which are strategically set along the route, creating a new memory trail. When the waiter arrives after ten minutes, we are usually able to easily place our order without having had to repeat it to ourselves all the time. The more different brain circuits are active, the easier it is for us to remember.

Another way to store data in our short-term memory is by repetition. Repetition leads to increasing activity of the brain cells involved. In this way small markers are added, too.

In the above-mentioned situations these markers are not permanent and they disappear after approximately one hour. This does not mean that our short-term memory is limited to one hour; by using the trail regularly – looking again, talking about an event again or thinking of it again – the markers are refreshed and the memory trail is available for a longer period. Even for days; until we have finished our economy exams, for instance.

The long-term memory

After visiting a restaurant where we met the love of our life, we remember that night for a long time. After ten years we are still able to recall details without ever having had to repeat them.

It is our emotions that are responsible for this. They stimulate other brain cells very forcefully, creating permanent markers. Every brain cell which is active during the emotion profits from this powerful stimulus and is marked, too. Thus automatically – although not always on a conscious level - becoming part of the permanent memory. However, not only emotions lead to a permanent memory. Memories stored in the short-term memory may also become permanent. If we keep using the data from the short-term memory, the temporary markers will eventually turn into permanent markers.

Our memory is not perfect

Although we store information in our memory, there is no guarantee that we will be able to retrieve that information and whether this information is correct.We may also create memories of events that have never taken place.

Sources: www.todio.nl