Research on memory and brain mechanisms has attempted to study different types of memories and how the brain processes, manipulates and stores information. Effectively, brain memory is categorized as short term memory (STM), long term memory (LTM) and working memory (WM) (Rose et al., 2010). The purpose of this paper is to understand how the brain and memory processes are linked and how the use of particular techniques can enhance these processes.
Similarities and differences between working memory and long-term memory
Theoretically, working memory is similar to long-term memory in that they both store information in the memory center of the brain. Secondly, working memory; which is an aspect of short term memory, can be recalled just like long-term memory, and to the forefront of one’s consciousness are required (Rose et al., 2010). Further, both working and long-term memory are affected by the repetition of information or data. Again, both memories require one to retrieve information and process it within the same region of the brain when required irrespective of how long it has been stored. Theoretically, one major difference between working memory and long-term memory is that working memory is in a continuous storage cycle, analyzing and recalling information and bringing it to the forefront of one’s consciousness for interpretation and use (Kandel et al., 2014). Therefore, working memory occurs more rapidly and continuously such that it is the memory used by an individual in their daily activities. Further, the brain uses working memory to keep important and frequently used data in its execution center than long-term memory.
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How memories are formed in the brain (using neural circuitry) and maintained
In a new study of neural circuit at MIT, the brain stores short-term memory of one’s experience in the hippocampus. The short-term memories are then consolidated or transferred to brain’s cortex for long-term storage. In addition, the long-term memories mature only after two weeks once they are in the cortex (Trafton & MIT News Office, 2017). Therefore, the maintenance of episodic memories in the cortex occurs when it receives information from sensory processing parts of the brain and sends it to the hippocampus. The hippocampus then processes the information and then forms necessary memory. Further, the maintenance of memories follows a pattern of sending signals and communication among the neurons in the brain based on the synapses (Mayford et al., 2012). These synaptic connections create networks of neural circuits that are responsible for brain function that includes memory making and maintenance. Synaptic plasticity is essential to the higher functions of the brain like memory and learning (Scutti, 2014).
When is it adaptive to remember and in what ways may be adaptive to forget?
Human memory is adaptive in that it has the capability to remember and forget information when necessary. Selectively one chooses to remember or erase information at particular times from their brain. The ability helps people in their daily lives and allows them to solve challenges that come their way. Incidences that may require our memory to forget include painful moments or experiences as one may not wish to keep them in the future (Kandel et al., 2014). For instance, losing a loved one, going through traumatic events like chronic illness and witnessing horrific happenings may require one to forget. However, other times require our memory to remember information. For instance, in our daily activities like parking our vehicles, people’s names, procedures of carrying out a process requires one to remember instead of forgetting.
Are our Memories Accurate?
Based on the memory formation in the human brain, our memories can be said to accurate. The basis of this conclusion is that the circuits created in the interplay between the neurons depend on sensory information generated by our senses (Kandel et al., 2014). Information distortion can arise from a deliberate experience while scanty memory may arise because of not paying necessary attention to the source of information when being fed into the brain. Therefore, the neural circuits are just a replica of the kind of information fed into it and thus it less likely that such memories will be inaccurate.
How can knowledge of the brain and memory systems be used to help individuals suffering from memory problems (e.g., poor memory, amnesia, PTSD)?
Individuals suffering from memory problems like amnesia, PTSD and poor memory among others can benefit from this knowledge when scientific studies are conducted to identify how both long-term and short-term memory can be enhanced among these individuals (Kandel et al., 2014). The development of relevant strategies and analysis of brain functioning based on these memory problems allow experts to help these people get the kind of memories they require and the link between these memories in their daily activities.
Comparison of the role age and environment play in memory formation and maintenance
Age and environment play critical roles in how memories are formed and maintained especially as one ages, their memories weaken (Mayford et al., 2012). Environment is critical in memory formation and maintenance because it determines one’s health condition, their mood and influence from other people. Brain’s cognitive function starts its decline after thirty years and continues as one ages on. The decline involves all types of cognitive function, though some aspects of speech like amount of information may resist the age influence better than executive functions like planning (Kandel et al., 2014). The most visible sign of aging in memory formation and maintenance is the ability to learn and solve challenges that arises from reduced rate of information processing. Further, the aggressive modern environment is replete with adverse effects that have significant impact on the central nervous system. As a result, the brain faces challenges in its consolidation and optimization of the learning process.
Conclusion
It follows that memory and brain mechanisms remain critical to neuroscientists as they attempt to explain how the brain processes information and the impact of these processes. Further, these scientific works are essential to finding long term solutions for people with memory problems and assessing the impact of age and environment on brain processes and mechanisms.
References
Kandel, E.R, Dudai, Y. and Mayford, M.R. (2014). “The Molecular and Systems Biology of
Memory” Cell , vol.157, No.1, pp.163-186. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867414002906
Mayford, M., Siegelbaum, S.A, and Kandel, E.R. (2012). “Synapses and Memory Storage” Cold
Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology , vol.4, no.6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3367555/
Rose, N.S., Myerson, J., Roediger, H.L. and Hale, S. (2010). “Similarities and Differences
Between Working Memory and Long-Term Memory: Evidence From the Levels-of-Processing Span Task” Journal of Experimental Psychology Learning and Memory Cognition, vol.36, no.2, pp.471-483. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2832224/
Scutti, S. (2014, January 23). “How Memory Works: 2 Neural Circuits In Our Brains Link
Sequential Events In Our Minds” Accessed from http://www.medicaldaily.com/how-memory-works-2-neural-circuits-our-brains-link-sequential-events-our-minds-267745
Trafton, A. and MIT News Office (2017, April 6). “Neuroscientists identify brain circuit
necessary for memory formation” Accessed from http://news.mit.edu/2017/neuroscientists-identify-brain-circuit-necessary-memory-formation-0406
