The Hippocampus is a core brain structure for memory. The hippocampus which has is the Greek original translation for word seahorse, carries the same shape as its namesake. The hippocampus plays a very vital role in the process of consolidating new memories and also in associating a new event with its context, let's take for example, where it took place and when it happened; Furthermore, you might hear the name Princess Annie, the hippocampus at this point activates verbal associations, them you know that she said was part of the Royal Family, you also a
recall memories of particular experiences or image. Whenever the name Princess Annie is mentioned, I would easily recall a buddy of mine telling me of how much he is in love with her that he met her first at an eatery called kilimanjaro. I can easily picture that moment with the eyes of my mind. Irrespective of how old I would get, my hippocampus which will be relatively still intact would allows me to retrieve even the complex set of ideas and images which reminds me where I was and who I was with when I heard about princess Annie.
Memories which last
A lot of memories seems to age well. They recall as specific flashbulb events, such as independence of Nigeria in 1999, they appear unblemished and unchanged over time. But in reality all memories, even flashbulb events, are very much malleable; they through the process of change as a result of the passage of time. They continuously shift each time you call a memory to mind, this is because they are affected very much by other memories which have an over-lapping elements. As a student of memory, I am just as interested in long-term forgetting as I am in long term remembering. What particularly intrigued me is the fact that changes which takes place with regard to auto-biographical memory. Auto-biographical memory basically is the foundation on which a sense of who we are, what we consider and term rewarding, and how we choose to define our world is derived from. It is integral to how we construct meaning and purpose in our lives.
Autobiographical memory as we grow older
Old age would result in our personal memories becoming very fragile. These memories become less accurate and thus begin to lose context. Person's who live with such neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease tend to become particularly vulnerable to the loss of their personal memories, this is as a result of the combined effects of their aging process and their neurological condition. These persons would no longer be able to gain access to the important milestones which has over helped in defining who they are. The utmost essence of an autobiographical memory is often overlooked.
People come to me to ask for assistance with memory skills. I teach them all I know about mnemonic techniques to enhance face–name associations. I review cognitive strategies for new learning. I rarely talk about old memories… their first day of school, their first kiss, music from teenage years...Says a unknown therapist.
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