MEMORY CONTINUED
knowledge to create new understanding. There are
multiple memory systems and multiple ways to
access and express memories.
Declarative memories are consolidated in and
retrieved from the hippocampus. When we recall a
memory, we are likely to bring up the most salient
points and then fill in the rest as we discuss and think
about the event or concept. Pieces we fill in may or
may not be the reality. When we recount a recent trip
with our best friend, we remember different aspects
and may disagree about what actually happened. In
the end, those discussions get incorporated into our
original memory and each retelling may alter the
memory in some way, but the core of the story - the
trip with our friend - remains the core memory. The
more we recall facts, concepts, and procedures, the
stronger the memory becomes. Practice, and
reflection strengthen neural pathways and
support memory. When we prepare our
minds to engage in an activity we are
more likely to remember the activity.
Memory formation is assisted by
predicting the outcome, responding,
failing, and getting immediate
corrective feedback. When we find new
and novel ways to use old knowledge,
neural pathways are strengthened and in some
ways begin to change our memories.
Cortisol, often referred to as the stress
hormone, plays a vital part in memory formation and
retrieval. Cortisol is always present in our bodies and
is necessary for certain functions within the adrenal
system. When we become stressed, we produce
additional cortisol. A bit of stress, and cortisol, helps
us focus our attention and aids in learning & memory.
Too much stress, or stress over an extended period
of time, has a negative impact on memory. An over
abundance of cortisol can make you hyper vigilant
and attentive to specific details and events while
completely shutting out other stimuli. It can keep the
hippocampus from encoding and retrieving memories
and over time can shrink the hippocampus.
Remembering incorporates new information
into previous memory and retrieval overwrites the
memory. Our realities are constructed from our own
interpretations and expectations of the world. We
might offload some of our memory into the
environment via our mobile devices or visual
reminders. Offloading can be used to verify what we
think we remember, but it doesn’t stop inaccurate
associations as the result of partial memories. When
Brian Williams’ memory doesn’t correspond with the
evidence and the shared experiences of others, it
may be that the neurological pathways were
disrupted and rewired through recall of events in
association with new information. Neurologically, a
fabricated memory and a real memory are ѡ