How We Remember
Scientists have tried to figure this one out since time began.
Memory is one of the most mysterious elements of humankind. How we assemble day to day experiences and remember them hours or years later is an ability that nobody can explain, but it is the opinion of scientists that every experience ignites a pattern of neurons which is the basis of human memory.”Its not like a tape recorder where you store it all on one cassette,” says Lynn Nadel, a neuroscientist at the University of Arizona in Tuscon. “There’s more than one play button to push.” And maybe a link to that button has been found.
UCLA neuroscientist Irzahk Fried and his colleagues measured neural activity in the brains of 13 participants as they watched short clips of TV shows like “Scienfield” and “The Simpsons.” Afterwards the participants were asked to describe whatever video clips came to mind. The same neurons that had flared while they watched the clips flared again when they recalled the clips. Researchers were able to determine which clip a subject was about to remember, as corresponding neurons flared up seconds ahead of actual remembering. “Being able to see human recall at work and in action, in real time is unprecedented.” said neourscientist Matthew Wilson.
Some experts say the true significance lies not in where the neurons fired but in where they were located-the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a thin slice of tissue located deep in the brain. It plays a role in being able to remember and navigate from place to place, a process known as spatial learning. The earliest and most pronounced signal of Alzheimers is getting lost in familier places. Connecting the dots between the scientific study and symptoms of Alzheimers suggests the hippocampus may be the key to human memory.
“This may be the scaffolding we have been searching for,”says Nadel. In Alzheimers and dementia patients, this scaffolding breaks down for some unknown reason and from the inability to find their way home from a neighbors house, they soon lose their ability to remember a loved ones face. This points to cognitive therapies,” says Wilson, but it’s hard to get more prescriptive when it comes to human memory.
Exciting as this news is, it seems any help for Alzheimers and dementia patients will be a long time coming. It is still our best bet to stay mentaly and physcialy active, stay in touch and to continue learning. So don’t sit on the couch and let your mind deteriorate. Get up and learn something new. Walk a mile and work a puzzle. Write an article for Triond. Stay busy and be happy.
Liked it
Christine Ramsay | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
That is a really interesting article. It is very thought provoking. I think I had better take your advice on board.
Christine
Reilley | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Terrific piece on a subject near and dear to my heart.
Betty Carew | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Excellent article Ruby, we can only hope there will be a break though soon. I certainly agree with you on the exercise and keeping busy it’s the key for staying healthy in mind and in body.
CutestPrincess | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
excellent piece, everyone should read this! pls read also “want sharper memory?” –> http://www.healthmad.com/Mental-Health/Want-Sharper-Memory.396227
thanks!
Karen Gross | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Fascinating! I asked my neurologist before my surgery if, while he was in there, he could keep an eye out for the loose wire that connects to the part of my brain that used to be able to do math, but I don’t think he found it.
Having your brain mapped is a surreal experience!
Chambo | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Very interesting piece Ruby. Well researched and written.
RJ
C Jordan | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Well done. Really interesting article.
denus | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
interesting article, well done.
cheers.
Joni Keith | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
This is very informative. It’s nice to know there’s some promise in the battle with Alzheimer’s. I think I’ll take your advice and keep writing articles for Triond. Thanks, Ruby
Moses Ingram | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
A great job, I like reading about this sort of thing.
AC Hamilton III | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Really great, and absolutely exciting information. I loved it Ruby.
AC
CA Johnson | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Great article. Great minds think alike since I wrote an article about memory too.
PR Mace | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Well written and researched article. Ruby, do you have a backdown in nursing? You write these type of articles so well. I know I talk about ballroom dancing a lot but it will also help to keep your mind alert. You have to really work your mind to learn all the steps, keep time to to music,etc. Keep up the good writing.
Gon pincha | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
It was a great article
I loved it.
Shirley Shuler | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Excellent article Ruby, thanks for the insight!
R.B. Parsley | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Ruby,
This is one of gods greater mysteries. It would be absolutely wonderful if we could just understand it. If we only knew how the mind works, perhaps the cure of Alzheimer’s and dementia would already be in the making. You have sparked my interest. Excellent writing, Ruby. This is definitely something to think about.
Randy
Darlene McFarlane | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Wow! This is a very interesting article, Ruby, and your research is remarkable. It sure gives one a lot to think about.
Great piece!
nutuba | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Well done! This is informative and interesting and well written. Good research and great presentation!
Brian Daniel Stankich | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
fascinating, Ruby, thanks for this new research
Inna Tysoe | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
Interesting read. Thanks.
Inna
Glynis Smy | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
Interesting article. My maternal Grandmother and my Father were / is Alzheimer sufferers, I am carrying both genes…what was I writing? Oh yes, I try and keep my brain as stimulated as possible. Reading your work helps Ruby, keep it up!
Anna Ski | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
Stimulation of the brain is important and keep it active just like you do for the rest of your body.
Good article.
nobert soloria bermosa | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
very interesting indeed,thank you
Judy Sheldon | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
Ruby, you are so right, we need to stay active, physically and mentally. Thanks so much for sharing.
Take care & G♥d bless.
Little Miss Lizzy | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
I really enjoyed reading this Ruby – your style is accessible and the subject matter is well researched. Thanks.
Morgana | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
I would like them to try to measure long term memory…maybe they’ll find something more interesting.
Ruby Hawk | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
Thank you all for your interest and for leaving your comments. I think this is a subject that is dear to all our hearts. If we are lucky we will all be old one day and it is in our best interest to keep strong and active in mind and body.I have wittnessed sufferers of Alzhemiers and it is devastating to the whole family. I can imagine how hard it was your family, Glynis.
Pam, I have no nurses training. I wanted to be a nurse when I was young but it wasn’t possible for me. I have neices who are nurses. No, I am just interestd in medical subjects and try to get the latest on what I write about. I read a lot and different subjects catch my interest.
R J Evans | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for another great read, Ruby.
denus | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
excellent read, very interesting and informative.
cheers.
Joie Schmidt | Feb 1, 2009 | Reply
Interesting article. You will always stay young and healthy with a life full of blessings and joy!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
eddiego65 | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
A truly interesting and informative read.