Question

Theoretically, how is working memory similar to and different from long-term memory?

How are memories formed in the brain (using neural circuitry), and how are they maintained?

When is it adaptive to remember, and in what ways may it be adaptive to forget?

Given what we know about brain mechanisms in memory, are our memories accurate? Explain your answer using information on how memories are stored in the brain.

How can knowledge of the brain and memory systems be used to help individuals suffering from memory problems (e.g., poor memory, amnesia, PTSD)?

Compare the role age and environment play in how memories are formed and maintained.

Answer 1

1. Working memory refers to the process which store & manipulate information in a temporary basis. Similarities & differences between working memory & long-term memory depends on upto what extent retrieval from secondary memory is involved & if there is a match or mis match between levels of processing.    2. Memories are formed continuously in the long-term location of brain's cortex. Long-term memories remain silent for two-weeks before reaching a mature state. Most of the scientists believe that memories are being stored in neocortex; which is also responsible for cognitive ffunctions like planing something or paying attention. 3.Human brain's ability to overpower bad or immaterial memories makes it easier to remember what is important. Remembering something actually is a cost for those deleted memories that are related but is unimportant for us.    4. If we want to reshape our memory then we have to break the link between factual memory & emotional memory, and through which we can reshape our bad memories or dreadful experiences what we want to forget. Altering remembered thoughts can also help people to overcome anxiety & fearful experiences of their lives. With the help of drugs we can break the link between factual memory & emotional memory to help to edit new happy memories in life. Scientist now believe that our memory system is very flexible, memories can be rewired, we can add false information to it , in this way we verywell can treat psychological trauma. 5. Age & environment plays a very vital role in the formation of our memories. When we grow older our memories becomes weaker. Environment also plays a key role in the formation of our memories as it determines our mood, health condition & effects our body & mind also in many ways. The ability to learn, store new information , remembering names of the friends & focus on anything decreases with age specially after 60 years. Some difficulty also arises while remembering the names of objects & dates of events it is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. This can be cured if careful assesment of cognitive status of the patient is carried out for months.In this period of life the most common problem is depression. With quality behaviour and care with assurance foster to regain their confidence.