Research uncovers striking brain differences in depressed individuals.
The common drink that may protect the brain against memory loss.
The common drink that may protect the brain against memory loss.
Drinking orange juice regularly is linked to a 47 percent lower risk of memory problems with age, research suggests.
Berry fruits, orange and red vegetables and leafy greens may also help protect against memory loss.
The results come from a study that followed 27,842 men for 20 years.
Every four years they were asked about the foods they ate and were given tests of their memory and thinking skills.
They were also asked questions including:
Those that had six servings of fruit and vegetables a day were 34% less likely to experience poor thinking skills later on.
Eating more fruit and vegetables in midlife was linked to better cognitive health later on — even if the men stopped eating fruit and vegetables.
Dr Changzheng Yuan, study co-author, said:
“One of the most important factors in this study is that we were able to research and track such a large group of men over a 20-year period of time, allowing for very telling results.
Our studies provide further evidence dietary choices can be important to maintain your brain health.”
The study only showed an association, it does not prove causation.
The study was published in the journal Neurology (Yuan et al., 2018).
Psychologists uncover a simple method to make parting with unwanted possessions easier.
Psychologists uncover a simple method to make parting with unwanted possessions easier.
People are more likely to give away unneeded goods if they first take a picture of them.
For people who find their houses filling up with stuff they no longer use, the psychological trick could help them de-clutter.
Dr Rebecca Reczek, study co-author, said:
“What people really don’t want to give up is the memories associated with the item.
We found that people are more willing to give up these possessions if we offer them a way to keep the memory and the identity associated with that memory.”
The study involved 797 students who saw an advert for a donation drive.
Half the students saw an ad that said: “Don’t Pack up Your Sentimental Clutter…Just Keep a Photo of It, Then Donate.”
The other half saw an ad that said: “Don’t Pack Up Your Sentimental Clutter, Just Collect the Items, Then Donate.”
Students that ‘preserved’ the memory of what they were donating with a photo were more likely to give things away.
Dr Karen Winterich, study co-author, said:
“The project got started when I realized I was keeping an old pair of basketball shorts just because they reminded me of beating a major rival basketball team in junior high.
I didn’t want the shorts — I wanted the memory of winning that game and that’s what I thought of when I saw the shorts.
A picture can easily mark that memory for me and I can donate it so someone else can use it, which is even better.”
The study suggests an easier way to let go of old stuff, said Dr Reczek:
“It is not terribly surprising that we can keep the same memories alive just by taking a photo of these possessions, but it is not a natural behavior.
It is something we have to train ourselves to do.”
Memories of the item are also linked to our identities, further studies found.
Dr Reczek said:
“These memories connected to possessions are a carrier for identity.
It is this reluctance to give up a piece of our identity that is driving our reluctance to donate.”
The trick may not work for items that are sold or that have strong sentimental value.
The study was published in the Journal of Marketing (Winterich et al., 2018).
Prolonged stress weakens the synapses — the connections between brain cells — in the hippocampus.
Prolonged stress weakens the synapses — the connections between brain cells — in the hippocampus.
Running reverses the damaging effects of chronic stress on critical areas of the brain.
Stress can damage the functioning of the hippocampus, a structure of the brain important for memory and learning.
Running, however, protects the brain’s ability to learn and recall information, even under stress.
Dr Jeff Edwards, the study’s first author, said:
“Exercise is a simple and cost-effective way to eliminate the negative impacts on memory of chronic stress.”
Prolonged stress weakens the synapses — the connections between brain cells — in the hippocampus.
The study on mice, though, found that running over a 4-week period negated these negative effects.
Stressed mice who exercised did just as well on a maze-running experiment as non-stressed mice who exercised.
The mice who exercised also had stronger connections between the synapses in their brain.
Naturally, the best memory and learning performance is achieved in a low stress, high exercise environment.
Dr Edwards said:
“The ideal situation for improving learning and memory would be to experience no stress and to exercise.
Of course, we can’t always control stress in our lives, but we can control how much we exercise.
It’s empowering to know that we can combat the negative impacts of stress on our brains just by getting out and running.”
The study was published in the journal Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (Roxanne et al., 2018).
The number of chunks of information we can hold in mind at any one time.
The number of chunks of information we can hold in mind at any one time.
People can hold around 4 things in mind at any one time.
While there may be no limit to long-term memory, short-term memory is not so capacious.
Four chunks of information — whether words, numbers or whatever — is the human limit.
Even then, short-term memory only lasts around 15 to 30 seconds.
Professor Gordon Parker, author of the paper, said:
“So to remember a seven numeral phone number, say 6458937, we need to break it into four chunks: 64. 58. 93. 7.
Basically four is the limit to our perception.
That’s a big difference for a paper that is one of the most highly referenced psychology articles ever – nearly a 100 percent discrepancy.”
Professor Parker is referring to a famous research paper by American psychologist George Miller.
Miller argued that the ‘magic number’ for the chunks we can hold in memory is 7 (plus or minus two).
Decades of memory research, though, has revealed that this figure is a little optimistic.
Some people can only hold around three things in mind at once, others can manage five, but for most of us four is the ‘magic number’.
Unless, of course, you are a baby, then you can only hold one thing in mind at a time.
Professor Parker said:
“There may be no limit in storage capacity per se but only a limit to the duration in which items can remain active in short-term memory.
Regardless, the consensus now is that humans can best store only four chunks in short-term memory tasks.”
Miller’s genius was really in marketing his idea, despite the scientific facts not backing it up, Professor Parker argues.
Seven is a number that has a sort of magical hold on us, which is perhaps why Miller chose it.
So, Professor Parker mounts his tongue-in-cheek defence of four:
“There are more four-lettered swear words than any other number.
Numerous sports have teams operating as foursomes.
Even golfers play in fours (and plus fours), and the last word a golfer is most likely to hear is four than seven.
Cricketers hit fours to applause and major sporting events (e.g. Olympic Games, World Cup Rugby, World Cup soccer) are held every four years.
The most popular board games (e.g. Scrabble, Monopoly) are designed for four players – as for card games – while card packs have four suits.
Swingers most commonly swing in foursomes, luck requires a four-leaved clover, and the Americans wisely waited until the fourth of July to declare their independence.
This article was prepared on A4.
So, for every deep and profound, even metaphysical, argument for seven, I suspect we can find four times as many for four.”
The study was published in the journal Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica (Parker, 2012).
This brain boosting diet improves memory through changes in the gut bacteria.
The natural compound that slows brain aging and dementia.
From puzzles to probiotics, discover the everyday activities that protect your brain.
Explore semantic memory, its key features, and how it differs from episodic memory. Find out why it’s vital for knowledge and communication.
Semantic memory refers to the long-term memory system responsible for storing general knowledge about the world.
Semantic memory is a fundamental aspect of human cognition.
It enables us to understand and interact with the world by providing access to factual information and general knowledge.
For instance, knowing that Paris is the capital of France or recognising the meaning of words are both examples of semantic memory at work.
Unlike episodic memory, which is concerned with personal experiences and specific events, semantic memory is not linked to a particular time or place.
This distinction allows semantic memory to provide a stable and universal foundation for knowledge.
Semantic memory and episodic memory are two components of declarative memory, which involves the conscious recollection of information.
While both are interrelated, they serve distinct purposes.
Episodic memory involves recalling specific events and experiences, such as your last birthday party or a recent holiday.
It is autobiographical and linked to particular times and places.
In contrast, semantic memory deals with general knowledge that is not tied to individual experiences.
For example, knowing that the Eiffel Tower is in Paris is a piece of semantic memory, whereas remembering your visit to the Eiffel Tower is episodic.
Semantic memory is supported by a network of brain regions that work together to store and retrieve knowledge.
The primary areas involved include the medial temporal lobe, particularly the hippocampus, and the anterior temporal lobe.
Research suggests that the anterior temporal lobe plays a crucial role in integrating and categorising semantic information.
Damage to this region can result in semantic dementia, a condition characterised by a loss of general knowledge while episodic memory remains relatively intact.
The hippocampus, although more closely associated with episodic memory, also contributes to the initial encoding of semantic information.
Once established, semantic memories are distributed across various cortical regions, including the frontal and parietal lobes.
Several factors can affect the strength and accuracy of semantic memory.
Understanding these influences can help in developing strategies to maintain and improve this essential cognitive function.
Semantic memory tends to remain stable or even improve during early and middle adulthood.
However, as people age, retrieval speed may decline, and accessing less frequently used information can become more challenging.
Cultural background and environmental exposure play a significant role in shaping semantic memory.
For instance, someone raised in a multilingual environment may have a richer vocabulary and broader linguistic knowledge.
Good physical and mental health are critical for maintaining semantic memory.
Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can all contribute to better cognitive function.
Damage to specific brain areas or certain medical conditions can impair semantic memory.
Understanding these disorders can shed light on the mechanisms underlying this type of memory.
Semantic dementia is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects the anterior temporal lobe.
It leads to the gradual loss of general knowledge and word meanings while sparing episodic memory in the early stages.
In Alzheimer’s disease, both semantic and episodic memory are affected, particularly as the condition advances.
Early symptoms often include difficulty in recalling names and recognising familiar objects.
Strokes or traumatic brain injuries that damage the temporal or frontal lobes can result in semantic memory deficits.
Rehabilitation efforts often focus on relearning lost information and strengthening other cognitive functions.
While some decline in cognitive function is natural with age, there are several strategies to enhance and preserve semantic memory.
Actively acquiring new knowledge through reading, taking courses, or engaging in discussions can help keep semantic memory sharp.
The more frequently information is accessed, the stronger the memory becomes.
Mnemonics, such as acronyms or rhymes, can make it easier to remember complex information.
Associating new facts with existing knowledge also enhances recall.
Activities like puzzles, word games, and trivia can provide mental stimulation that strengthens semantic memory.
Engaging in diverse hobbies and interests can also help maintain a rich knowledge base.
Semantic memory plays a vital role in language comprehension and use.
It provides the foundation for understanding words, phrases, and concepts, enabling effective communication.
In educational settings, semantic memory is crucial for acquiring new knowledge and building upon existing information.
Students rely on this type of memory to learn facts, understand concepts, and apply their knowledge in various contexts.
Children develop semantic memory as they learn to associate words with meanings and categories.
This process is essential for vocabulary growth and language development.
Semantic memory also supports creativity and problem-solving by allowing individuals to draw upon a broad base of knowledge.
Combining information from different domains can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.
Advances in neuroscience and technology continue to expand our understanding of semantic memory.
Researchers are exploring new ways to diagnose and treat disorders affecting this type of memory, as well as its applications in artificial intelligence.
AI systems, such as language models, are designed to mimic aspects of semantic memory by storing and retrieving vast amounts of information.
Understanding human semantic memory can inform the development of more advanced and intuitive AI systems.
Emerging therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and cognitive training, hold promise for enhancing semantic memory in individuals with neurological conditions.
Continued research may lead to more effective interventions in the future.
Semantic memory is an essential component of human cognition, enabling us to store and access general knowledge about the world.
Its role in language, learning, and daily functioning highlights its importance in our lives.
By understanding how semantic memory works and adopting strategies to maintain it, we can preserve this vital cognitive ability throughout our lives.
Ongoing research continues to uncover new insights, paving the way for innovative treatments and applications in both healthcare and technology.
Explore sensory memory’s key types and how it affects learning, perception, and rapid information processing in the brain.
Sensory memory is a vital cognitive function that allows individuals to momentarily store information from their surroundings.
Sensory memory refers to the brief retention of information from the senses before it is transferred to short-term memory or discarded.
It acts as a buffer, providing a fleeting impression of sensory stimuli.
Sensory memory is an automatic process that does not require conscious effort.
It plays a crucial role in enabling the brain to perceive continuity and make sense of rapid streams of sensory information.
Iconic memory relates to visual stimuli.
It retains a snapshot of the visual environment for less than a second.
This type of memory allows individuals to perceive motion and continuity when viewing rapidly changing images.
For example:
Iconic memory is also critical for tasks that involve tracking fast-moving objects, such as playing sports or driving a car.
When a person catches a ball or navigates a busy street, iconic memory helps them process visual information quickly.
Echoic memory pertains to auditory information.
It lasts for about 3 to 4 seconds, enabling people to remember sounds after hearing them.
Examples include:
The persistence of echoic memory is particularly important in understanding speech and language.
When a person listens to a sentence, echoic memory allows them to retain earlier words long enough to comprehend the entire statement.
Haptic memory concerns tactile information.
It processes touch sensations and lasts for about two seconds.
Examples include:
Haptic memory also contributes to fine motor skills and object manipulation.
For instance, typing on a keyboard or using a touch screen involves the rapid integration of tactile feedback.
Sensory memory’s capacity to capture a vast amount of information helps the brain prioritise relevant stimuli.
Despite its brief duration, this memory system lays the groundwork for conscious perception.
Sensory memory is rooted in the brain’s early processing stages for each sense.
Different brain regions contribute to storing and processing sensory information.
Other sensory modalities include:
Gustatory and olfactory memories, although less studied, play important roles in flavour perception and emotional associations.
Smells and tastes can trigger vivid memories due to their strong connections with the brain’s limbic system.
Proprioceptive memory allows athletes and dancers to refine their movements through practice.
It helps maintain balance and coordination by providing continuous feedback on body positioning.
Sensory memory bridges the gap between sensory input and short-term memory.
It filters important stimuli while discarding irrelevant data.
Short-term memory receives information selectively from sensory memory.
This transition is influenced by attention, which determines what information is further processed.
In turn, long-term memory benefits from repeated exposure and deeper processing of sensory inputs.
Examples:
The efficient transfer of sensory information to other memory systems enables learning and decision-making.
When sensory memory falters, such as in cases of overload or distraction, the ability to retain key details diminishes.
Several factors affect the duration and efficiency of sensory memory:
Strategies to enhance sensory memory include:
Mindfulness practices that involve focusing on breathing, sounds, or tactile sensations help strengthen sensory awareness.
For instance, paying attention to the sound of a bell or the texture of an object can reinforce echoic and haptic memory.
Technology designed to support sensory memory includes tools like audio reminders and visual timers.
These aids help individuals compensate for brief lapses in memory retention.
Understanding sensory memory offers practical benefits in various fields.
Interactive teaching methods, such as using multimedia presentations and hands-on activities, engage multiple sensory pathways.
These strategies make learning more dynamic and memorable.
Mobile apps and websites benefit from intuitive designs that align with sensory processing limits.
For example, clear icons and auditory notifications provide effective guidance.
In therapeutic contexts, sensory activities that stimulate touch, sight, and sound promote cognitive engagement.
Occupational therapists use these techniques to improve motor skills and sensory processing.
Research on sensory memory dates back to the late 19th century.
Pioneering studies by George Sperling in 1960 demonstrated the existence of iconic memory using partial-report techniques.
Key findings include:
Modern neuroscience continues to explore sensory memory’s neural mechanisms, advancing our understanding of perception and cognition.
Innovations in brain imaging technology allow researchers to study sensory memory in real-time.
These advances have uncovered new insights into how sensory memory interacts with attention and emotion.
Sensory memory provides the foundation for perceiving and interacting with the world.
Its fleeting nature highlights the brain’s incredible ability to process and prioritise sensory input efficiently.
Understanding this cognitive function enhances approaches to education, technology, and health, improving experiences and outcomes for individuals across various contexts.
By integrating knowledge of sensory memory into daily life, people can sharpen their perceptual skills and enhance their cognitive performance.
This understanding paves the way for improved learning techniques, innovative technological designs, and effective therapeutic interventions.
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