Untitled Quiz

Memory Stores

• Human memory is comprised of sensory, short-term (working), and long-term memory.
• Sensory memory lasts less than a second.
• Short-term memory (working memory) lasts up to a minute, used for immediate tasks.
• Long-term memory is permanent, long-term storage.
• Explicit memory is conscious.
  • Declarative memory (facts and events)
    • Episodic memory (personal experiences)
    • Semantic memory (facts and concepts)
• Implicit memory is unconscious.
  • Procedural memory (skills and tasks).

Memory Processes

• Memory processes include attention, encoding, storage, and retrieval.
• Attention is focusing on information to encode it.
• Encoding is converting information into a format the brain can use.
• Storage is retaining encoded information.
• Retrieval is accessing stored information.

Neuropsychological Tests of Memory

• Verbal memory tests (e.g., short stories, word lists).
• Visual memory tests (e.g., shapes, objects).
  • Example tests: short stories, word lists (List A, Trial 1-4 responses).

Memory after Temporal Lobectomy

• Epilepsy is recurrent, unprovoked seizures in the brain, it can be generalised or focal.
• Temporal lobe epilepsy is a common type of focal onset epilepsy.
• The most common cause of temporal lobe epilepsy is hippocampal sclerosis (scarring in the temporal lobe).
• Hippocampal sclerosis leads to isolated memory problems, difficulties with storage.
• Treatment for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy can involve surgery.

Memory in Alzheimer's Disease

• Alzheimer's disease is the most common dementia, accounting for about 50% of cases.
• Onset typically occurs after age 65.
• The disease often causes hippocampal atrophy.
• Characterized by primary memory impairment that worsens over time impacting other cognitive functions.
• Memory problems are characterized by rapid forgetting.

Memory in Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by thiamine deficiency, often associated with heavy alcohol consumption.
• Poor diets frequently accompany heavy alcohol use impacting thiamine metabolism.
• Lesions (damage) to the mammillary bodies, thalamus, hypothalamus, frontal lobes, hippocampus, and cerebellum result, causing issues.
• Key symptoms include severe anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories) and confabulation (making up false memories).
• Recognition memory is usually intact.

Memory in Herpes Simplex Encephalitis

• Herpes simplex is a virus that can cause encephalitis (brain inflammation).
• Brain lesions, particularly in the lateral and medial temporal cortex (hippocampus), orbito-frontal cortex, cingulate gyrus, and parietal lobe.
• Results in an acute confusional state followed by permanent, irreversible memory problems.
• Symptoms include severe anterograde amnesia and potential semantic memory deficits.
• Implicit memory and working memory are usually intact.

Recommendations for Patients with Memory Deficits

• If neuropsychological assessment indicates memory deficits, recommend strategies to manage them.
• This section asks for specific recommendations.