mechanism of memory formation

Question 1

consolidation

Answer 1

-the process by which a relatively permanent LTM is formed

Question 2

consolidation theory

Answer 2

-during learning and in approximately 30 minutes after learning, changes in brain cells occurs as information is transferred from STM to LTM for relatively permanent storage

Question 3

memory decline over the lifespan

Answer 3

• the ability to recall new information generally declines in early and middle adulthood, while the ability to recognise new information does not
• Neuroscientists now believe that the “normal” ageing brain can remain healthy and fully functioning and that disease, not ageing, is the cause of most serve decline in memory as we age

Question 4

amnesia (organic cause)

Answer 4

-Brain damage can result from a serve blow to the head, stroke, chronic alcoholism, electroconvulsive therapy, malnutrition, infection, tumour, brain surgery or disease

Question 5

retrograde amnesia

Answer 5

• (backwards in time)
• memory loss for events preceding brain damage or trauma
• cannot access existing long-term memories but can dorm new long term memories
• if memory loss is temporary, more distant memories are usually recalled first
• recovery is usually incomplete (may never remember last few seconds before amnesia abusing event)

Question 6

anterograde

Answer 6

• (forwards in time)
• memory loss for events following brain damage or trauma
• cannot form new LTM’s but can access old LTM’s
• most recent memories are often recalled before distant ones

Question 7

neurodegenerative disease

Answer 7

-gradually and progressively kills nerve cells and results in nervous system dysfunction and permanent loss of ability

Question 8

dementia

Answer 8

-a general term that describes the symptoms of a variety of brain illnesses that progressively kills brain cells and results in irreversible structural and chemical changes in the brian that lead to permanent and serve cognitive loss

Question 9

Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 9

-an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disease that gradually kills brain cells, causing severe cognitive and behavioural decline that eventually results in death