Module 20 Forgetting: When Memory Fails Chapter 6, Pages Essentials of Understanding Psychology- Sixth Edition PSY110 Psychology © Richard Goldman October 24, 2006

Forgetting The inability to recall may be attributed to may factors:  Initial encoding  Memory decay  Interference  Cue-dependent loss  Drugs  Disease  Physical damage

Memory Persistence Memory decreases over time: Very rapid at first; Very slow later on Reviewing information right after learning greatly increases persistence. Relearning previously learned information is easier, quicker and more persistent. Hermann Ebinghaus

Memory Decay The loss of the physical memory trace. Though to be due to lack of use. Does not appear to be time dependent. (May just be a recall problem.)

Memory Interference The theory that new memory interferes with the recall of older memory.  Proactive Interference – Earlier learning interferes with new learning  Retroactive Interference – New learning interferes with older learning

Biological Foundation of Memory Memory Trace: The physical (neurological) record (map) of a memory. Consolidation:  Memory occurs with the increase number of stable synapses between many neurons.  Controlled by the hippocampus Long-term Potentiation (LTP): The enhancement in efficiency of the synapse between neurons. Multiple processing systems in the brain are involved in learning and consolidation and LTP occurs over long periods of time throughout the brain.

Memory Dysfunctions Alzheimer's Disease  1 in 5 in age group  50% of those 85 and over  (May be related to low production of beta amyloid) Amnesia  Retrograde amnesia – Unable to remember past (rare)  Anterograde amnesia – Unable to remember current things Korsakoff’s Disease  Afflicts long-term alcoholics

Normal vs. Alzheimer’s Disease Normal forgetfulness:  Forgetting parts of an experience  Forgetting where the car is parked  Forgetting events from the distant past  Forgetting a person's name, remembering it later Memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease:  Forgetting an entire experience  Forgetting how to drive a car  Forgetting recent events  Forgetting ever having known a particular person  Causes changes in both thinking (cognition) and behavior or personality. Dr. Alois Alzheimer Dr. Alois Alzheimer identifed first Alzheimer’s patient in 1901.

Mild Alzheimer's Disease Difficulty learning and remembering new information Difficulty managing finances, planning meals, taking medication on schedule Depression symptoms (sadness, decreased interest in usual activities, loss of energy) Still able to do most activities such as driving a car Gets lost going to familiar places

Moderate Alzheimer's Disease Forgetting old facts  Continually repeats stories and/or asks the same questions over and over  Makes up stories to fill gaps Difficulty performing tasks  Following written notes  Using the shower and toilet Common behavioral symptoms  Agitation  Restlessness, repetitive movements  Wandering  Paranoia, delusions, hallucinations Deficits in intellect and reasoning Lack of concern for appearance, hygiene, and sleep

Severe Alzheimer's Disease Failure to recognize family or faces May groan, scream, mumble, or speak gibberish Common behavioral symptoms  Refuses to eat  Inappropriately cries out Difficulty with walking and all essential activities of daily living Often suffer complications from other illnesses, such as pneumonia.