Memory

Memory

1. Declarative and Non Declarative

2. Endel Tulving defined two types (72)

   • Semantic: generalized memory facts
     • Unconscious access for example knowing how to ride a bike
   • Episodic: autobiographical memory personal experience specific episodes
     • Conscious recollection
     • this has been linked to mental time travel to past
   • K.C suffered accident which left damage in medial temporal lobe and in parietal cortex (Rosenbaum, 00)
     • Had difficulties consolidating and forming new memories e.g. couldnt remember those he met (episodic) but his semantic memory intact
       • no concept of travelling into past stuck in present
     • could acquire semantic information through tests without interference but didn't impact episodic (Tulving et al 91)
     • Vargha-Khadem et al (97) followed those with similar damage found they could acquire factual knowledge and language (semantic) but remembered little of daily lives (episodic)
       • academic success didn't improve episodic Hann et al 06
       • lacked spatial coherence and fragmented images

3. Hippocampus

   • located within limbic system
   • if one side is damaged litle consequence but if both sides can lead to anterograde
     • supports idea that hippocampus is involved in episodic memory
   • temporary store for new info
   • consolidates memories
   • damage restricted to here leads to impairment but not as severe as h.m

4. episodic and hippo

   • memories once processed sent to prefrontal cortex
     • stimulation in this leads to activation of memory
   • diff elements (visual audio) are stored in diff brain areas but hippocampus connects them