MEMORY
Our new theme takes a closer look at memory – the special ability to recall information, which is absolutely central to the human brain. Remember to take good care of your brain!
REMEMBER FOR LIFE
Memory is an essential part of our life and identity as human beings. Without it, we would not be human. We would not be able to remember our past, learn from our mistakes and make decisions in the present or future.
But what is memory, and how does it work inside the brain? Peter Lund Madsen, a doctor and author, identifies three key concepts to bear in mind when talking about memory: attention, storage and recall.
Why does the Lundbeck Foundation focus on brain health?
Research from Aarhus University shows that one in five Danes suffers from a brain disease and that direct and indirect costs associated with these diseases exceed DKK 100 billion per year. In addition, comes the high human costs for the many patients and their relatives.
Attention is the first step toward remembering. We need to pay attention to the things we want to remember so that we can store them in our brains. But how do we store information? We do it in the hippocampus, our memory centre, which passes the information on to other parts of the brain, where it integrates with what we already know and our past experiences.
Memory is not fixed and static. It changes all the time. Sometimes, we forget things. Sometimes our memory plays tricks on us, and we remember things that have never happened. Our emotions and surroundings also affect it.
Many people associate a good memory with a healthy brain, and there is some truth to that. However, it is also important to forget. There have been many examples of people with super memories who have wished they could forget.
If you think people are born with good memories, you are wrong. While genetics play a role, there is a lot we can do to enhance our memory. With just a few techniques and a bit of training, most people can master memorising numbers, names, things and speeches.
Sleep also affects memory. A good night’s sleep helps consolidate memories and integrate new information. Lack of sleep has a negative impact on the ability to learn and remember.
Memory is complex and changeable, but also an important part of our lives and identity. Without it, we would be unable to recall our childhood, learn from experience and make informed decisions.
