Working memory is an aspect of short-term memory and is responsible for present conscious undertakings. Long-term memory is a store of knowledge through which any required information can be retrieved (Frith et al., 2017). The main difference between these two types of memory is the duration and capacity of the information that is stored. In regards to duration, the working memory does not store information, while the long-term memory stores information for an unlimited duration (Corbin et al., 2011). Storing information in the long term memory depends on the individual and their capacity to store information. The capacity of memory can be defined as the volume of information that the brain can hold while carrying out specific activities. Working memory has a very short capacity and can only store seven to ten words. On the other hand, long-term memory can store a bulk of information. The major similarity between both forms of memory is that they can store up information for use. These forms of memory can be retrieved for us.
Formation of Memories
The process through which memories are formed in the brain is complicated and highly intricate. Data is provided to the brain through a network of neurons that are always constantly communicating with each other to send signals from the brain. There is an active connection between these neurons at points identified as synapses. Through each synapse, the neurotransmitters are able to move across the neurons to integrate receptor molecules, which in turn, establishes a neural circuitry (Vetere et al., 2019). This procedure supports brain functions, which include the formation of memories. When new information is presented to the brain through its senses, synaptic plasticity occurs. This refers to the constant shift in synaptic communication between neurons resulting in circuits that outline a new experience. The newly formed circuits act to maintain or store the same experience, enabling an individual to engage the same circuits when attempting to retrieve a memory.
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When it is Adaptive to Remember and Forget
Human memory can be defined as having as being able to adapt to forgetting or remembering information. This capability can be applied selectively in different periods of an individual's life depending on whether an individual wants to forget specific events or remember them. This capability enables an individual to go on with their daily activities and find solutions to their problems and may act as a valuable tool on certain occasions (Nairne et al., 2019). Instances that may call for adaptive forgetfulness may revolve around experiences that are hurtful and may adversely affect progression. An example of such an experience is the loss of a loved one. Contrastingly, some instances call for the memory function to be adaptive to remembering. In our daily activities, an individual may seek to remember specific details, such as where they keep their keys. This makes the adaptive capability of memory highly crucial for personal growth. All of these functions may be navigated by activities such as counseling, which assist us in forgetting or remembering specific experiences.
The Accuracy of Memories
Based on the knowledge that already exists concerning brain mechanisms in memory, our memories can be described as accurate. Based on the neural circuitry formed with the brain during specific experiences, remembering events as they happened is often easier for individuals. The circuits created by the neurons interplay usually are in accordance with the information that they receive from a person’s senses (Vetere et al., 2019). The information may be distorted due to the inability of an individual to be attentive to the information sources as it is received within the brain. This circuit acts as a reflection of the information that was received by the brain, making it highly accurate.
Knowledge of Brain and Memory Systems in Helping Fight Memory Issues
When a memory is being formed, each aspect of the information has its own uniquely coded circuit. The knowledge concerning neural circuitry enables the identification of what part of the brain or what specific process is associated with the memory. This makes it easy for memory function to be traced back to particular circuits and effectively handled (Vetere et al., 2019). Hence, the knowledge concerning the brain function and the memory system can be used to help individuals having memory issues by tracing and exploring the neural circuitry involved.
The Role of the Environment in the Formation and Maintenance of Memories
As an individual grows older, their memory becomes weaker. This activity can be traced to a decrease in the rate at which the brain processes information. The cells that are engaged in this function become worn out with age slowing down the processing rate. Executive functions of the brain, such as planning and design, are considerably impacted by this decrease in processing as compared to other brain functions, such as speech. The environment also has an impact on the formation of memories as it determines what the senses are able to perceive during an experience and how they perceive it. The environment has a significant effect on the mood of an individual and their attitude when they are receiving information.
Conclusion
Memory formation is a unique aspect of brain function that is continually studied and evaluated. An understanding of the network circuitry is critical to establishing a proper understanding of how memory function works. It also provides critical information on how people suffering from memory challenges can be helped.
References
Corbin, L., & Camos, V. (2011). Improvement of working memory performance by training is not transferable. Europe’s Journal of Psychology , 7 (2), 279-294.
Frith, E., Sng, E., & Loprinzi, P. D. (2017). Randomized controlled trial evaluating the temporal effects of high‐intensity exercise on learning, short‐term and long‐term memory, and prospective memory. European Journal of Neuroscience , 46 (10), 2557-2564.
Nairne, J. S., Coverdale, M. E., & Pandeirada, J. N. (2019). Adaptive memory: The mnemonic power of survival-based generation. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition , 45 (11), 1970-1982.
Vetere, G., Tran, L. M., Moberg, S., Steadman, P. E., Restivo, L., Morrison, F. G., ... & Frankland, P. W. (2019). Memory formation in the absence of experience. Nature Neuroscience , 22 (6), 933-940.
