User:Krishna0623/Memory

Memory Retrieval
Memory retrieval consists of four different forms: memory recall, memory recognition, memory recollection, and memory relearning.

Memory Recall
Memory recall refers to the brain's ability to retrieve a stored memory. There are three main types of memory recall: free recall, cued recall, and serial recall. Free recall refers to one's ability to recall a list of items in any order. There are three main ways in which the list is usually recalled. The primacy effect occurs when items near the beginning of the list are recalled most effectively. The regency effect refers to the ability to recall the most recent items in the list. The cognitive effect refers to being able to recall items that are next to each other most easily. Cued recall refers to being able to recall a list of objects through a series of cues. This form of recall allows people to remember items they were not able to freely recall. For items on the list that have a strong link to a specific cue, it is also easier to recall these items. The last form of recall is serial recall. Serial recall refers to the form of recall in which items are recalled in the exact same order that they were presented in the list.

Memory Recognition
Memory recognition refers to the brain's ability to identify information regarding a previously known or learnt topic after either seeing or experiencing that memory again. Examples of memory recognition include recognizing someone's name after seeing their picture.

Memory Recollection
Memory recollection refers to the brain's ability to rebuild or piece together a memory. Memory recollection works through reconstructing a memory using logical structures and clues. For example, one may be able to remember the details of an event using partial memories.

Memory Relearning
Memory relearning refers to the brain's ability to to relearn information that one has learned in the past but does not remember. Therefore, the person may not recall the information, but will remember having learned about it before. Memory relearning also plays a big part in strengthening neuronal connections.

Problems with Memory
Even completely healthy people at any age can experience memory loss. There are six major problems that are considered normal: Misattribution, Suggestibility, Transience, Absentmindedness, Blocking, and Bias. Misattribution is when one only accurately remembers part of a memory and forgets some other details. Suggestibility is similar to misattribution but occurs when one's memory is altered due to false information because of another person or source. Transience refers to one's tendency to forget facts and events over time. Absentmindedness is a form of memory loss due to not paying close attention. Blocking is a temporary form of memory loss in which a specific memory can not be recalled. Bias refers to personal beliefs, knowledge, experiences, and mood affecting the memories and perceptions within one's brain.

Alzheimer's Disease
The most common type of dementia is caused by Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that starts with only a mild memory loss but can lead to much greater cognitive decline and behavioral issues. In 2020, 5.8 million Americans were estimated to be living with Alzheimer's disease. Although the disease occurs mainly in adults over the age of 65, there is the possibility of getting early-onset Alzheimer's, which affects younger adults.

Gaming and Memory
Although the full impact of gaming on one's memorizing ability has not been researched, there are many studies showing a positive correlation between gaming and memory retention. A study on how video games impact the brains of elderly adults found elderly adults who played video games had much lower cognitive deterioration, and were also able to improve memory. A comparative study looked at how video games affected pro gamers and those with internet gaming disorder. Internet gaming disorder is a disorder in which one is so extremely involved in video games to the point it causes significant distress in their daily lives. The study found that playing video games in a professional and organized setting was able to improve attention and memory retention. Another study looked at how gaming impacts the brain. The study found an increase in prefrontal cortex activity when playing games with mechanics regarding puzzles, patterns, and timely action. Although no conclusion was made, this research may indicate that gaming stimulates the prefrontal cortex, which also plays a role in memory. As a result, one's memorizing ability may be indirectly impacted from gaming.