The 5 memory systems

Memory systems are several and all are important for our survival.

Memory is essential in our life, allows us to survive by keeping information that is useful, as well as allows us to forget some situations, so that we can cure wounds, such as the pain of a duel, an offense or other situation that has generated discomfort.

It is defined as a brain function of the most impressive, since, through it, the nervous system works by encoding, storing, organizing and recovering information that is vital for our existence.

Thus, our memory is made up of a network of complex subsystems that work simultaneously, cooperating or competing with each other.

Historical review on memory studies

This fascinating memory process has been of interest to many thinkers, even in ancient times. In fact, the first inquiries were made from philosophy, taking as a work method Observation, logic and reflection.

Already from Plato and Aristotle the theories of knowledge were formulated and this last thinker alludes to different levels of knowledge, differentiating between sensitive knowledge and understanding, estimating that true knowledge was beyond sensation and experience. He also pointed out the relationship between learning and memory, which were given by associations between two events, as with lightning and thunder.

However, it was not until 20th century when the first studies of memory began to emerge at a scientific level. In addition, Pavlov, Skinner, Thorndike and Watson approaches are highlighted, since these authors laid the foundations for what is now known as classical and operant conditioning.

After the time, studies began at the neuropsychological level, especially with patients who had temporary focal lesions, which opened the step to study more in depth the processes of memory.

Today there are neuroimaging studies in patients, both healthy and sick, and this has meant a great contribution in the field on real time operation. Currently, one of the most accepted classifications on long -term memory systems takes into account two fundamental spheres: declarative and non -declarative memory.

Long -term memory tests with interference

Declarative memory and non -declarative memory

Regarding the system of declarative memory, It is considered that it contains information, with a conscious record, which can be easily transmitted from one subject to another. While the not declarative It houses information that is not possible to verbalize such an easy way.

In turn, declarative memory is subdivided into semantics and episodic. The semantics refers to the information that is stored on attributes and characteristics that define the concepts, and the episodic stores memories of places, moments, emotions, details, among others, but that cannot be evoked sharply. This is part of memory systems.

As can be deduced, memory and its systems are complex. An Anna study.Katharine Brem, about learning and memory, points out that memory is also related to the perception of time, attention and emotional valence of the contents, in addition to the fact that there is evidence that the brain circuits involved with these functions overlap with areas involved In the processing of memory functions.

In summary, several memory systems have been proposed, the first one was that of the Procedural memory, making a distinction between cognition and action. As for the other four systems, they refer to cognition, being able to bring content to consciousness.

Thus, the five main memory systems would be formed as follows:

1. Work memory: The maintenance storage of information is responsible for maintenance. This information is kept active for a short time with a limited capacity. If it is not repeated, it disappears.
2. Procedural memory system: This is the non -declarative memory, which could not be recovered consciously, but that are relevant to behavior. It's about "knowing how" instead of "knowing what"; He is told not declarative because he is not aware.
3. Perceptual representation: It is also a non -declarative system that is related to the form of words and objects.
4. Episodic memory: It is made up of memories about personal experiences, events and episodes. It is considered that it has an unlimited capacity. It is a system that can suffer injuries without affecting others.
5. Semantic memory: It is a declarative system with content that should be voluntarily brought to consciousness and that includes knowledge about concepts, facts and knowledge of language.

After review of memory systems, it can be said that every day every human being lives new experiences and learns new things, so the brain cannot store so much information and must make the decision of what is worth becoming a I remember and what not. But, without a doubt, memory allows us to survive in our day to day.

The mandela effect and false memories

Bibliography

• Brem, a. K., Ran, k., & Pascual-Leone, to. (2013). Learning and Memory. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 116, 693-737. https: // doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-53497-2.00055-3
• Cowan, e. T., Schapiro, a. C., Dunsmoor, j. AND., & Muty, V. P. (2021). Memory consolidation as an adaptive process. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 28(6), 1796-1810. https: // doi.org/10.3758/S13423-021-01978-X
• Robertson l. T. (2002). Memory and The Brain. Journal of Dental Education, 66(1), 30-42.