5 minute read
MEMORY MATTERS
Understanding the Fragility and Power of Human Memory
The adage “use it or lose it” holds particularly true for our brain’s functionality. Synapses, the connections between neurons, are vital for brain function, and if left unused, they can deteriorate over time. With the increasing reliance on technology, this phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent.
Synapses form as our brains encode new memories. Memory involves the acquisition, retention and retrieval of information. This system prioritises efficiency over accuracy and operates by recording moments. Approximately twenty minutes after reading this article, your brain initiates a coordinated burst of neuronal activity to store the newly acquired information as a memory.
Instead of meticulously cataloguing every life event, our brains store moments in time and reconstruct memories when needed. Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, a Professor of Psychology, Philosophy and Neurology at the University of Southern California, describes memory as reconstructive. He notes that rather than exact recordings, our memories aim for approximations of past events. Unlike a photograph, our memory retrieval is not a simple replay of events but a complex process prone to errors due to its fragmented nature.
The fragmented nature of memory renders it susceptible to errors and distortions. Memories are not pristine replicas of past events but rather reconstructions influenced by various factors such as emotions, biases and external cues. This fragmentation occurs during encoding, storage and retrieval processes, leading to gaps, distortions and inaccuracies in memory recall. Additionally, memories can be altered over time through the process of memory consolidation, where new information integrates with existing memories, potentially distorting the original recollection. Consequently, our memories are often incomplete, selective and subject to change, highlighting the fallibility of human memory and the challenges of relying on it as an accurate record of past experiences.
Charan Ranganath, a neuroscientist and author of Why We Remember, suggests that human memory evolved to help us stay attentive to what is important. However, the common assumption that memory operates like a recording stored in the brain is flawed. Ranganath explains that this assumption overlooks two key factors: first, humans are not designed to remember everything; and second, memories are not exact replays of past events. Scientifically, people only retain a fraction of their experiences, and memories can be embellished, distorted or inferred, according to Ranganath.
THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY ON MEMORY FORMATION
Indeed, the act of learning new things stimulates neuronal activity in the brain, which is beneficial for brain health. However, the impact of technology on brain health is a topic of ongoing debate. While it is commonly believed that smartphones have a negative effect on memory, the reality is more nuanced. On one hand, excessive smartphone use, especially when it leads to distraction and a lack of awareness of one’s surroundings, can impede the formation of memories. Conversely, smartphones also serve as repositories of vast knowledge, providing instant access to information from around the world. Therefore, the role of technology in brain health involves a complex interplay between potential distractions and the invaluable resource of readily available knowledge.
Digital dementia, a concept introduced by German neuroscientist and psychiatrist Manfred Spitzer in 2012, refers to cognitive changes resulting from excessive technology use. In an interview I conducted with him several years ago while he was in Namibia, Spitzer shared alarming anecdotes from his global work, where communities displayed early signs of dementia linked to prolonged screen time. He highlighted the pervasive nature of screen usage, emphasising how it bookends our daily routines, from the moment we wake up to the final moments before we fall asleep. Recent studies corroborate Spitzer’s concerns, with one indicating that as little as four hours of excessive screen use can detrimentally affect executive functioning and working memory.
Before we rush to blame technology for all memory concerns, it is essential to consider other factors contributing to cognitive health. Recent research indicates that a diet high in sugar and fat can lead to long-lasting memory issues, highlighting the importance of nutrition in cognitive function. Additionally, neurologists now caution against prolonged exposure to stress, which can also negatively impact memory.
Routine actions, due to their repetitive nature, are easily forgotten, such as whether one locked the front door. Conversely, engaging in new, challenging or unique activities stimulates neural activity, which is beneficial for brain health. Exercise as well as puzzles have a positive impact on memory.
WHAT WE SHOULD REMEMBER ABOUT MEMORY
The key takeaway is that it is crucial not to rely too heavily on retrieved memories, as they may not always be fully accurate. When we realise that memory is fallible, we realise that it has limitations and this helps us to approach information and experiences with a healthy scepticism. From this position we can critically evaluate the reliability of our recollections and the information we encounter. This awareness encourages us to seek multiple sources of information, verify facts and remain open to revising our understanding based on new evidence. Ultimately, recognising the fallibility of memory fosters a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the world around us.
