memory

definition

Memory is the ability of the human brain to store information and to be able to retrieve it at a later point in time. The time it takes to retrieve this information can be very variable, which is why one different types of memory differs. In addition, the memory consists of a complex of several successive steps in order to first filter the actual sensory impression, to bring it into a storable form, Linkages in the brain to create and to be able to call them up again later.

Today we know that the main actors in memory are the over 100 billion nerve cells that make up our brain. These do not store images or shapes, but communicate with each other via a sequence of electrical impulses and messenger substances in such a way that our memories appear again as the original image to the human eye. Depending on how strong this connection is between certain nerve cells and how often it is called up, this memory is also more permanent than others.

Short term memory and long term memory

Probably the most common differentiation of memory is the division into short and long-term memory. As the name suggests, information is only stored for a short time in short-term memory. In long-term memory, on the other hand, for longer periods of time up to lifelong.

In the case of short-term memory, a distinction is also made between ultra-short-term memory. This only saves sensory impressions for a few seconds, for example to be able to remember the beginning of a sentence until the person has finished it. Alternatively, this form of memory is also referred to as sensory memory, as it is primarily primary sensory impressions that are stored here.
There is also working memory, also a form of short-term memory in which the information is stored a little longer. A typical example of this would be the daily goals, which you set yourself in the morning and do not forget throughout the day, but quickly disappear from memory in the next few days.

There are also two types of long-term memory. Episodic memory stores information that we are aware of. For example, this includes important life events and our personal life story.
The semantic memory, on the other hand, stores our general knowledge, which we can call up at any time, although we are not really aware of this at every moment. Examples of this are the names of major capitals, the meanings of words, and facts about famous people.
A distinction is also made between procedural memory. This is primarily responsible for sequences of movements that have already been learned, which we can unconsciously repeat at any time. A typical example of this is cycling, in which the brain unconsciously takes control of the right muscles at the right time.

Read more about the topic on our website Short term memory and Long-term memory

How does the memory work?

In order to be able to store new information at all, a stimulus must first hit a sensory cell. This can either visually, acoustically or tactile and excites a sensory cell by triggering an electrical impulse. This energy is then also sent to you as an electrical impulse Nerve cell – also called a neuron - forwarded to the brain.
In the brain, the nerve cells are above so-called Synapses in connection with each other. These are gaps between two nerve cells through which they can communicate with each other with the help of messenger substances. Depending on how many such synapses are excited and in which combination this happens, the new information is also stored accordingly.

Once this has happened, these information networks can be reactivated, for example through learning and repetition, and remain in the memory longer than less-used synapse connections. Also the Number of synapses involved plays an important role in memory. The more of it are activated, the stronger the memory and it is easier for us to retrieve this information at any time.
It is similar with the process of forgetting. Less-used information routes are replaced by new, more frequently activated synapse connections and, to a certain extent, with the new information "overwritten."Most of the time, the old content is not completely lost, but becomes worse for the brain or even no longer accessible at all.

According to the current state of research, processes in short-term memory tend to overplay biochemical stimuli at the synapses, whereas processes in the long-term memory tend to be the synapses changed in the long term. This process is also known as Long term potentiation.

How can I improve memory?

There are a number of ways to counteract memory loss and thus improve the memory capacity of the brain. This can also be useful in life situations in which you have to keep a lot of things in mind at the same time and can quickly lose track of things.
The best exercise to train the brain is with it demanding tasks to challenge again and again. In everyday life, this can possibly be combined with the workplace. Solving more complex tasks or the Taking on more responsibility According to modern studies, it has a positive effect on memory and should be in front of a Alzheimer's dementia protect. That too Maintain social contacts and close friendships are positive challenges to the brain and can help improve memory. Because in social interaction with others, new associations often arise, old memories are recalled or conflicts are resolved. All of this is training for memory.

In addition, through regular exercise the performance of the brain and thus memory can be improved. Also the Change in certain sleeping and eating habits may help improve memory. For example, it is known that a good night's sleep is essential for the performance and above all for the memory of the brain. Even a little nap in between can help to consolidate new information.

Certain foods have also had a positive effect on memory in various studies. The general rule - not just for memory - one healthy and balanced diet as a very important pillar of health that we can influence directly through our actions. In addition, it could be shown that the consumption of certain types of vegetables had a positive effect on the memory of test subjects. Were among them Cabbage, broccoli and spinach represented. Various berries are said to be particularly good for long-term memory. Especially for Blueberries this effect could be proven.
The moderate consumption of caffeine was also able to improve the memory of test subjects compared to the placebo group in another study. A lot of about 200mg caffeine – which corresponds to about three to four espresso cups - a few hours after ingestion, had a positive effect on the test subjects' memory.
The opposite effect can be caused by consuming alcohol be generated. This substance does not only seem to cause memory loss in the short term when drunk, but also to cause lasting memory damage if it is taken regularly for a long time.

How can I train my memory?

There are diverse methods of memory and brain power as such too work out and possibly even to improve. What they all have in common is the challenge of new, previously unknown tasks. As an alternative to memory training, terms such as Brain jogging or Brain meditation used. They all designate exercise units that are intended to counteract natural aging and thus the decline in memory performance.

In order to actively stop the amnesia, new nerve cells have to be stimulated in the brain, thus activating areas that are otherwise less active or establishing new connections between brain regions. Pure memorization does not have these effects and is therefore just an endurance exercise for the brain.
On the other hand, exercises in which you have to actively establish new contexts have a great effect concentration In the long term, they even need an improvement in memory performance. If you now adapt the exercises to your everyday life, the effects of the training can usually be felt there as well. An illustrative example can be the following: While the stubborn memorization of sequences of numbers or city names can be classified as brain jogging, one challenges the memory in an interactive way, for example by foregoing the usual way to work and taking a detour or turn the usual magazine upside down and read it the other way around. The main thing is to break through familiar activities and processes every now and then and to vary creatively.

Also learning one new language can be good memory training in old age. Most of all, a language that can be used on your next vacation is ideal. On the one hand, this helps with motivation, on the other hand, it is much easier for the brain to store things that can prove to be useful.
But also Emotions and images can be useful here. If someone feels good, their brain is flooded with several messenger substances that can significantly improve the learning process. Many memory trainers also rely on the link between memory content and images, which can be called, for example composed story better than the individual items on the shopping list.

An important criterion when choosing the right memory training should be that it is the individual performance of the user corresponds. Exercises that are too simple can quickly lead to insufficient demands and thus to boredom, while tasks that are too difficult can lead to frustration. Fatigue can be a good marker of difficulty. A slight fatigue after demanding tasks, for example, is a sign that the brain has been working and has therefore also trained.
In addition, it should be ensured that the exercises are not monotonous and sufficient variety is available. On the one hand, this increases motivation, but on the other hand, it is also always challenging different brain regions find out what can be critical to the overall performance of the brain.

Can you erase a memory?

In animal experiments, certain substances have already been used to erase individual memory contents in rats. It was about Fear reactionsthat the animals have a certain stimulus (here a current stimulus) developed. If they were injected with the drug immediately afterwards, they lost the fear of the danger they had previously experienced on their own body.
This is the case with humans only applicable to a limited extent, since the stressful events are usually further in the past and are therefore difficult to manipulate from the outside. In individual cases within the framework of studies, the number of people with post-traumatic stress disorder can be reduced somewhat by the administration of certain medications, but this has not yet resulted in a comprehensive therapy.

Somewhat more established is a method in behavioral therapy, in which one can prevent emotions linked to certain memory contents and thereby let the memory fade as such. An example of this are patients who have a traumatic experience had and since then have had severe physical symptoms like fear, Sweats, dizziness or even panic suffer as soon as they recall the memory.
By taking certain medications in a controlled manner (such as beta blockers) In some cases it has already been possible to decouple this group of symptoms from the actual memory and thus reduce the force and strength of the memory. This is not completely lost, but only remains as a faded, bad memory.
There are also providers who claim to be using hypnosis Erasing memories. These are mostly also procedures in which the feelings and reactions to the memory are changed constructively and thus a different handling of memory is trained.

All methods of manipulating memory have in common that they are ethically highly controversial and have many critics who grapple with the sensibility and justifiability of these measures.
In the context of serious accidents with permanent brain damage, a Loss of memory content (so-called amnesia) enter. Damage to the frontal lobe is particularly serious. However, there are also cases where just one very high stress levels or traumatizing experiences the memory of those affected seems to be erased. Both the subconscious and various repression mechanisms play a not insignificant role. A lesion of brain tissue is not detectable in these cases.

Please also read our page amnesia.