To answer that question, I turned to several sources, including the Queensland Brain Institute and the Alzheimer Society.
What I found
There are numerous types of memories including...
* Sensory Memory: we have a brief storage of sensory information, such as a flash of light, hearing a bird sing, or smelling popcorn. Sensory memory helps the brain process incoming stimuli, but most of it is forgotten unless processed.
* Short Term Memory: I'm guilty of this limited storage of information for a short period of time, typically around 15 to 30 seconds. For example, trying to remember a phone number while getting a pen to write it down.
* Working Memory: A type of short-term memory that involves holding on to and manipulating small bits of information in the mind. It's closely related to attention and is used to hold information while engaging in other cognitive processes.
Long-Term Memory: Can hold an unlimited amount of information over a period of time, from a few hours to a lifetime. Have you ever known someone like this?
* Episodic Memory: My wife Shirley is blessed with this type of memory to recall past events, recent or distant.
* Semantic Memory: Used to remember the meanings of words or remember facts.
and finally, the trickiest...
* False Memories: They happen when someone recalls an event incorrectly either by misremembering details or by remembering something that never happened. They can be vivid and convincing, and it can be difficult to convince someone that their memory is wrong.
Moving on...
It's common knowledge that our brains-and specifically, our brain cells-store memories.
Get this; a team of scientists at NYU has discovered that cells from other parts of the body also perform a memory function, opening pathways for understanding how memory works and creating the potential to enhance learning and to treat memory-related afflictions.
Researchers tell us the rarest type of memory is Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM). I've never personally met someone with this skill level but have read about people currently, and in history, who had it.
Out of curiosity, I wondered what types of memories are the easiest to recall. The answer is declarative memories are easier to form than nondeclarative memories. For example, it takes less time to memorize a country's capital than it does to learn how to play the violin. Once you've learned to ride a bicycle, you're not likely to forget.
As you might guess, the hardest memories to forget are emotional memories. The reason is an involvement of an area of the brain that plays an important role in controlling behaviors that are important to your survival, including feelings of fear.
As it Stands, I hope this post answers at least some of the questions about your own memory.
