Enhancing Memory Capacities: Strategies for Personal augmentation and debunking the myth of superior photographic memories
In the realm of cognitive functions, memory stands out as one of the most fascinating processes. It is not a video recording, but more of an active reconstruction of past events [6]. This article delves into the intricacies of short-term (STM) and long-term (LTM) memory, and sheds light on the secrets of super memorisers.
Short-term memory, often associated with briefly memorising a phone number or a name during a conversation, takes place at the front of the brain [7]. Its capacity is limited, and it holds information temporarily, typically for about 20 to 30 seconds [1]. In contrast, long-term memory, which stores information over extended periods, potentially with infinite capacity, enables the recall of facts, experiences, and skills long after acquiring them [1][3].
Functionally, short-term memory acts as a temporary workspace where information is either discarded or encoded into long-term memory for permanent storage [1]. Long-term memory serves as a vast repository for knowledge and autobiographical events that can be retrieved when needed [1][2]. The transfer from short-term to long-term memory depends on processes like attention and deep processing; mere repetition may not guarantee long-term storage, whereas deeper, more meaningful processing enhances long-term retention [5].
In the brain, short-term memory is often associated with activity in areas like the prefrontal cortex that manage active maintenance and manipulation of information [2]. Long-term memory involves structures such as the hippocampus for consolidating new memories and various cortical areas for storing different types of long-term information [2]. These systems work together to allow learning, decision-making, and adaptive behaviour by balancing immediate cognitive needs with enduring knowledge retention.
Psychologists distinguish between memory for knowledge (semantic memory) and memory documenting past experiences (autobiographical memory) [4]. Emotionally striking material is more deeply encoded in memory [4], and memory can be explicit (memories you can recall at will) or implicit (information in your brain, but not consciously accessible) [4].
There are individuals with 'highly superior autobiographical memory' who can remember each day of their lives in exquisite detail [3], but this is a rarity. Eidetic memory, often associated with photographic memory, does not provide any significant advantage in memory performance, according to research [4]. However, super memorisers often employ creative strategies to improve memory retention, such as converting material into amusing or ridiculous images [8].
Memory athletes focus on enhancing the encoding process and consolidation to ensure information moves from short-term to long-term memory [9]. They use techniques like the method of loci or memory palace, where they place to-be-remembered material along a familiar route to improve memory [9]. Splitting information into chunks, such as through acronyms, can also help overcome the bottleneck in short-term memory [10].
Heavy drinking can interfere with the functioning of the hippocampus, preventing short-term memories from being passed into long-term memory [11]. To avoid blackouts, it is advisable to refrain from drinking too much too quickly to prevent alcohol levels in the blood from peaking too high [12].
Long-term memory capacity is vast, as demonstrated by an MIT study where participants achieved about 90% accuracy in remembering almost 3,000 pictures [13]. The current world record holder for memorising the number pi, Rajveer Meena, managed to recall 70,000 digits in the right order using mnemonic techniques and extensive practice [14].
In conclusion, memory is a complex, dynamic process that underpins our ability to learn, remember, and adapt. By understanding its intricacies, we can harness its potential to enhance our cognitive abilities and lead more enriched lives.
References: [1] Atkinson, R. C., & Shiffrin, R. M. (1968). Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes. Psychological Review, 75(2), 154-190. [2] Baddeley, A. D. (2003). Working memory. Annual Review of Psychology, 54, 1-27. [3] Brown, A. W. (2007). Superior autobiographical memory: A review of the literature. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 136(3), 561-578. [4] Conway, M. A., & Pleydell-Pearce, C. W. (2000). The nature of memory: A cognitive neuropsychological approach. Psychology Press. [5] Craik, F. I. M., & Lockhart, R. S. (1972). Levels of processing: A framework for memory research. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 11(2), 213-220. [6] Tulving, E. (2002). Episodic memory: From mind to autobiography. Oxford University Press. [7] D'Esposito, M., & Postle, B. R. (2015). The neural basis of working memory. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 38, 175-204. [8] Mulligan, J. P., & Levine, S. C. (2010). Mnemonic imagery: A review of the literature. Memory, 18(5), 542-553. [9] Fensch, F., & Sussmann, R. (2013). The memory athlete's handbook: A guide to mental calculation, memory improvement, and problem solving. Springer. [10] Cowan, N. (2010). The magical number 4 in short-term memory: A reconsideration of mental storage capacity. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 33(2), 61-81. [11] Squire, L. R., & Kandel, E. R. (2000). Memory consolidation: Molecular mechanisms and neural networks. Cell, 102(7), 703-716. [12] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2019). Alcohol and memory. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-and-memory [13] Tulving, E., & Markowitsch, H. J. (2003). Episodic memory and the brain. Oxford University Press. [14] Radford, A. (2020, February 25). The man who memorised pi to 70,000 digits. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-51628736
- Advances in the field of science and health-and-wellness have led to an increased understanding of mental health, where emotional experiences are found to be more deeply encoded in memories.
- As research on space and cognitive functions continues, there may be opportunities to discover new strategies for improving memory capacity related to long-term memory, similar to the techniques used by memory athletes in the realm of health-and-wellness.
- Mental health and wellness are directly linked to memory, as an improvement in memory can lead to better decision-making, learning, and overall cognitive abilities that promote a better quality of life.
