Memory Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 2 main types of memory and their sub types

A

1-Explicit/Declarative memory : involves conscious recalling. Sub types are Episodic memories (memory of events), and Semantic memories (general knowledge)

2- Implicit/Non-declarative memory: does not involve conscious recalling. Sub types: Procedural memories : knowing how to do activities like riding a bike - and Associative learning

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2
Q

Episodic Memories and Semantic memories meaning

A

Episodic: remembering particular events, Semantic: general knowledge like knowing the capital of a city

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3
Q

Procedural Memories meaning

A

Knowing how to carry out actions automatically such as riding a bike, getting dressed, eating

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4
Q

What did george miller propose in 1956

A

Short term memory can typically hold no more than 7 plus or minus 2 pieces of information but this can be increased by chunking large pieces of info

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5
Q

Short term memory duration

A

less than 30 seconds on average, can be extended through rehearsal

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6
Q

Duration of long term memory

A

Infinite, relatively permanent storage area

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7
Q

Role of Hippocampus and where is it located

A

Binds information together to create an episodic memory. Essential for explicit/declarative memories, otherwise only conditioning learning possible!
Located in MEDIAL-TEMPORAL LOBE.

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8
Q

Mechanism of the hippocampus (3 steps)

A
  • Creates new synapses
  • Pre-synaptic facilitation
  • Long term potentiation
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9
Q

Definition of AMNESIA

A

Partial or total loss of memory, often resulting from shock, psychological disturbance, illness or brain injury

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10
Q

Common types of organic cause of amensia (ie: not due to psychological reasons)

A

Head injury, destructive surgery, alcohol abuse (black out or korsakoff’s syndrome), Progressive dementia : alzheimer, stroke

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11
Q

Psychogenic causes possible for amnesia

A

Childhood trauma, multiple personality disorder, dissociative disorder

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12
Q

In long term memory, what are two types of amnesia possible

A

ANTEROGRADE (inability to recall new memories that happened after the trauma), and RETROGRADE (inability to recall memories prior to trauma)

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13
Q

Describe the medical case of H.M patient

A

Henry Gustav Molaison suffered from severe epilepsy from the age of 10 yo- had hippocampus, amygdala and part of temporal areas removed - ended up with SEVERE ANTEROGRADE amnesia, and some retrograde amnesia. Could not encode and store new information (from STM to LTM). Preserved short term memory and motor skills. Never recovered.

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14
Q

Why was H.M important, his contribution and cite a study that showed how his procedural memory was intact

A

Because we knew exactly what was done to his brain, what was removed, whereas brain trauma is typically non specific.

CORKIN, 1968: MIRROR TRACING TASK: he learns a task everyday but never remember consciously doing so.

Contribution: provided evidence for different STM and LTM stores, evidence for key role of temporal lobe structures especially hippocampus in consolidating memories and transferring them to LTM.

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15
Q

What happens if the hippocampus is damaged

A

Interruption of the consolidation process for recent memories but memory can return with time depending on severity of damage through reherseal for example.

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16
Q

Describe Korsakoff’s syndrome / Psychosis

A

The consequence of thiamine deficiency often due to alcoholism, associated to anterograde amnesia but not always depending on patients = patients typically have trouble with time-tagging, and context-dependent retrieval.

17
Q

What is alzheimer and symptoms

A

Gradually progressive loss of memory and executive functions, often associated with old age. Early sign: anterograde memory difficulties, then confusion, mood swings, retrograde amnesia. Mean life expectancy is 7 years from diagnosis.

18
Q

What neurotransmitter is involved in alzheimer:

A

Loss of acetylcholine, located in limbic system.