Memories

Have you ever wondered, 'what is memory?'. Memory can be defined into short or long term categories but the situation is more complex. There is a large amount of research into memory but we have a lot to understand yet about different types of memory, and how the brain lays down memories.

Shorter term memories are known as working memory and can often refer to our conscious, chosen, storage and retrieval of memory according to prioritisation or meaning. During this process, we believe that individual or patterns of neurones fire and then remain stimulated even after the initial sensory message such as a social situation or hearing a familiar name. From there, the activation of different proteins within an area of the brain known as the medial temporal lobe may lead to a foundation for longer term memory, derived from our experiences and personal meaning attached to colours, sounds, smells, language, touch, patterns and symbolism that we can reminisce about years later.

There is also sensory memory, such as those which we recall only a split-second from seeing or perceiving them through sounds or language, and procedural memory or learned tasks that we no longer think in a conscious way about.

Genetic factors, and our activities such as exercise, are thought to play a role in memory. Memory is crucial to our day-to-day lives and functioning at our best and it can be important such that we should "remember memory" when it comes to better health.