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memory

A general term used for the recollection of that which was experienced or learned. It is also used in reference to the mental or other* information processing system that receives or registers, modifies, stores & retrieves informational stimuli. * for example, immunological memory Classification: Memory has multiple dimensions. These include: 1) primary memory (immediate recall, registration or short-term memory) 2) working memory (manipulation of primary memory) 3) secondary memory (new learning or recent memory) 4) tertiary memory (long-term memory; retrieval of remote information) Another classification of memory: 1) implicit (procedural) memory a) skill memory b) priming c) classical conditioning 2) explicit (declarative) memory a) episodic b) semantic c) contextual Physiology: Memory is said to consist of 3 stages: 1) encoding* 2) storage or consolidation* 3) retrieval * Encoding & consolidation are components of learning - newly learned information requires consolidation before it can be stored & retrieved recalled - when a memory is recalled, it becomes labile & must undergo 'reconsolidation' to be stored reliably again - the hippocampus is central to the consolidation & reconsolidation of memories - IGF2, C/EBP-beta, ARC, GSK3B & GLUR1 all play a role in consolidation & reconsolidation of memories [4] Genetics: - a region on chromosome 6q24 is linked to exceptional episodic memory in the elderly [5] - MOXD1 is a candidate gene [5] Clinical trials: - short-term study of 3 months; 30% calorie restriction improved memory in elderly women

Related

amnesia learning memory assessment memory consolidation memory impairment

Specific

declarative (explicit) memory immunological memory nondeclarative (implicit) memory primary (short-term) memory or registration secondary (recent) memory tertiary (long-term) memory working memory; mental control

General

cognition (intelligence)

References

  1. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999
  2. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, Osterweil et al eds, McGraw Hill, New York, 2000, pg 77
  3. Witte AV et al. Caloric restriction improves memory in elderly humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009 Jan 27; 106:1255. PMID: 19171901
  4. Chen DY et al A critical role for IGF-II in memory consolidation and enhancement. Nature 2011 Jan 27; 469:491 PMID: 21270887 - Graff J and Tsai L-H Cognitive enhancement: A molecular memory booster. Nature 2011 Jan 27; 469:474 PMID: 21270879
  5. Barral S et al. Common genetic variants on 6q24 associated with exceptional episodic memory performance in the elderly. JAMA Neurol 2014 Oct 13 PMID: 25317765 http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1915580
  6. National Institute of Mental Health Storing Memories of Recent Events https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/storing-memories-recent-events