How does the brain store memory?

1. Encoding:

Memory Encoding: The process by which information is received, processed, and stored in the brain.

Sensory Memory: Stores information for a brief moment, such as vision or hearing.

Short-Term Memory (STM): Holds a limited amount of information temporarily, usually for a few seconds or minutes.

Long-Term Memory (LTM): Stores information for an extended period, and it's the memory we usually refer to when talking about memory.

2. Storage:

Associative Networks: Memories are stored in interconnected pathways of neurons called associative networks.

Distributed Storage: Memories aren't stored in a single location but rather distributed across the brain.

Synaptic Changes: Long-term memory formation is associated with the strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons (called Long-Term Potentiation or LTP) and weakening of connections that are not used frequently (Long-Term Depression or LTD).

Neuronal Circuits: Memories may be stored within the firing patterns of specific neuronal circuits.

3. Retrieval:

Memory Retrieval: The process of accessing stored memories.

Recall: Retrieving information from memory without external cues.

Recognition: Identifying or selecting previously encountered information when encountering a familiar stimulus.

Reconstruction: Combining stored pieces of information to recreate complete memories.

4. Consolidation:

Memory Consolidation: The process of stabilizing newly acquired memories and moving them from short-term to long-term memory.

Systems Consolidation: The hippocampus is thought to play a key role in consolidating new memories, forming long-term memories through communication with other brain areas.

Protein Synthesis: The synthesis of new proteins appears to be essential for memory consolidation.

Sleep: Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, particularly for declarative (fact-based) memories.

5. Reconsolidation:

Memory Reconsolidation: The process of reactivating a stored memory and updating or modifying it in light of new information or experiences.

Destabilization and Restabilization: Memory reactivation "destabilizes" the memory, allowing for modifications before the memory is restabilized in an updated form.

Impact on Learning: Reconsolidation can lead to either strengthening or weakening of memories, influencing memory recall and learning abilities.

6. Forgetting:

Memory Decay: Memories can decay or fade over time when not actively practiced or revisited.

Interference: Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information interferes with new learning, while retroactive interference happens when new information disrupts the recall of previously learned material.

Amnesia: Brain damage or neurological conditions can lead to amnesia, where individuals have difficulty creating new memories or retrieving stored memories.