Psych 101

Kelsey Phillips

Psych 101

Friday, May 8, 2015

Memory

Memory is learning over time., its like filling a filing cabinet of what one’s learned over time. Memory is a set of encoded neural connections in the the brain (The Human Memory). Three processes include encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is like a like a keyboard, it is the transforming of information so it can enter memory. Storage is like the disk in computer, it is the retainment of information. The retrieval is like the monitor, one can look up the information whenever it is needed. The input of information through the sense is known as sensory memory. Sensory memory is snapshots of the environment around one. The purpose of sensory memory to prevent one from being overwhelmed

There are two types of long term memory declarative and procedural. Longterm declarative memory is stored in the hippocampus of the brain, any damage to this part of the brain would cause one the inability to form new memories. Procedure memories are stored in the cerebellum (Parts of Brain 2015) . Working memory and the ability to retrieve information is in the prefrontal cortex. Also in the prefrontal lobe, different parts than the working memory, is the semantic and episodic memory. The formation of memory occurs when information is consolidated in the brain, the consolidation in the brain causes physical change in the neurons (Parts of Brain 2015). The brain is a complex organ offering many uses

The brain is a fragile organ, with decay to the brain can lead to decay in memory. Alzheimer’s is form of dementia, and causes difficulty in learning and retaining new information in the brain. This is caused by loss of cells in the cell connections of the brain. Anterograde amnesia is the inability to create new memories, although memories before the amnesia are still intact.This is caused by damage to the hippocampus or the temporal lobe of the brain. With this damage comes the failure of memory to encode and store. Retrograde Amnesia is the inability to recall memories before the amnesia the procedural memories are not effected either, but able to develop and encode new long term memories. This is caused by damage to the temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex part of the brain.
 Memory is important to everyday life, so it is important to enhance and preserve one’s memory. One can enhance memory through good nutrition, physical exercise, and adequate sleep (Memory Loss..2015). Good nutrition can come from supplements such as omega-3s and especially DHA. These supplements can help the hippocampus cells communicate more efficiently. Sleep is important because it allows consolidation of memories and regular functioning of the hippocampus. Without sleep the hippocampus is critically effected. Physical exercise strengthens memories through boosting of the size of the