How does memory work?

Memory is a funny thing. Why is it we can remember the lyrics to a song we learned in the third grade, but cannot remember our grocery list or where we put our keys? Memory is one of those things that we often take for granted—until it starts to fail us. Memory lapses can be frustrating and even scary. One common concern as we age is if our memories will start to fade. But what exactly is memory? How does it work? Let's take a look at some of the latest research on memory to find out.

The science behind memory

Networks

There's still a lot we don't know about memory, but scientists have made some progress in understanding how it works. Scientists have found that memories are stored in networks throughout the brain, rather than in specific locations. This may explain why people with damage to one area of the brain can still retain some memories. It seems as though the brain creates a sort of “fail-safe” network - to the best of its abilities.

Neurons

Memories are also thought to be encoded in neural patterns—the specific firing of neurons in the brain. The neural pattern is the unique configuration of neurons and synapses in the brain. 

Imagine using very specific routes to get to different places like work, home or even the grocery store. Each time you want to go to one of those locations you can only use that one specific route assigned to that location. The more those routes are used, the more familiar and easier it is to drive that route every day. Now, imagine you leave to drive on your “grocery store route”, and there is a roadblock that you cannot get around. Even worse, the road is completely gone. Now, there is no available route of traveling to the grocery store. This is why people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease often lose their memories; the disease damages neurons and disrupts neural patterns- it takes away those roads.

Emotions

Emotional events tend to be remembered better than other types of experiences, due to the release of hormones like adrenaline. Adrenaline is the “fight or flight” hormone that is released in response to stressful, exciting, dangerous or threatening situations. Adrenaline causes a noticeable increase in strength and performance, as well as heightened awareness. It activates many areas of the brain all at once.  This is why we often remember things like where we were when a major news event occurred.

Sleep

One often neglected area that directly affects memory is sleep. A 2018 study found that people who slept after learning new information were better able to recall that information later than people who didn’t sleep. This suggests that sleep plays a vital role in memory; both consolidating new memories and retrieving old ones. This is why you may find it easier to remember something if you've had a good night's sleep. Very recent studies suggest that poor sleep contributes to abnormal levels of beta-amyloid protein in the brain. Beta-amyloid proteins lead to the formation of amyloid plaques which are found in the a brain with Alzheimer.

Repetition

Repetition is a key factor in strengthening memory. Research shows that repetition helps the brain form long-term memories, which are less likely to be forgotten. There are many ways to incorporate repetition in your daily life, including using WhoZat, a pocket directory mobile app that helps put name to faces. One of the benefits of repetition is that it strengthens your brain's ability to recall information, even when it has not been used in some time.

Tools to remember

The science behind how memory works can help us understand how our brain stores information. One thing we know for sure is that the more you use your memory, the better it will be in the future. So while you may not be able to remember everything, you can learn how to be more mindful of what you do recall and find ways to improve your memory.