What Is Short Term Memory Loss?
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Our short term memory is an integral part of our memory system. It is featured by its limited capacity to retain information as well as its rapid loss of information. In other words, typically the information which is stored in our short term memory is intended to stay there for quite a limited time span.
Information is retained in short term memory sections of the brain for a very brief period of time instead of crafting neural mechanism for its potential recall. On the contrary our long term memory kicks in when information is stored in a neural pathway and this information can stay there and be recalled for periods ranging from several hours right through the rest of the persons life.
Essentially two principal reasons have been identified as the prime factors contributing to short term memory loss. One principle suggests decay results in loss of information, which implies that memories simply become less clearer over time. Another principle suggests interference is the cause for short term memory loss. There have been different theoretical models devised in attempting to identify the true causes of short term memory loss of which the following is probably the most familiar.
Baddeley’s Working Memory Model
Many scientists and researchers consider that short term memory is a dynamic part of the whole memory system. It is often referred to as ‘working memory’. One of the proponents of this hypothesis, Dr A. D. Baddeley, has categorized the working memory into three component parts – the visuo-spatial sketchpad, the phonological loop and the central executive.
It is believed that the visuo-spatial sketchpad regulates the mental imagery segment, whereas the job of central executive is to control the awareness relevant to the information presented. The phonological loop functions with rehearsal of information in order to keep it in short term memory. As the structure suggests, the information stored on central executive stores for a relatively short time frame, after that new information displaces the old information and takes its place. Hence, the loss in short term memory occurs.
Brain Function and Short Term Memory Loss
Whenever the human brain receives new information, from sensory input into the regime of short term memory, it produces new neurons in a specific area of hippocampus known as dentate gyrus. This process eliminates and displaces old memories in order to construct room for new ones. For example people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease typically lose cells in the hippocampus area.
One common view suggests that by transplanting stem cells into the affected region of the brain so as to replace dead cells may result in improved short term memory. More recent studies on the subject of stem cell transplants argue that these new cells might not solve the problem and may well disrupt memory retention by dramatically changing links between neurons in the hippocampus region and enhancing memory clearance.
Scientific studies into short term memory loss continue to challenge longstanding opinions on the subject but we are still a very long way from fully identifying the problem and devising an appropriate solution.
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[…] Essentially two principal reasons have been identified as the prime factors contributing to short term memory loss. One principle suggests decay results in loss of information, which implies that memories simply become less clearer over time. Another principle suggests interference is the cause for short term memory loss. There have been different theoretical models devised in attempting to identify the true causes of short term memory loss of which the following is probably the most familiar. 9 […]