Short term and long term memory
Short term memory (also known as working memory) can only store approximately seven chunks of information. This information remains in your short term memory for approximately 20 seconds. This is what you use when trying to remember a new phone number or the name of a person that you have just met.
Long term memory can last from a minute or so to weeks or even years. This stores information such as memories of a party you went to, knowledge and facts learnt at school.
Often people refer to memory loss as amnesia. Amnesia can be temporary or permanent. The two main types of amnesia are:
Anterograde amnesia – This is when someone has difficulty remembering information events and information that have happened or they have heard since the brain injury occurred.
Retrograde amnesia – This is when someone has difficulty remembering events and information in the past, that happened or they previously knew before the brain injury occurred.
Often people refer to memory loss as amnesia. Amnesia can be temporary or permanent. The two main types of amnesia are:
Anterograde amnesia – This is when someone has difficulty remembering information events and information that have happened or they have heard since the brain injury occurred.
Retrograde amnesia – This is when someone has difficulty remembering events and information in the past, that happened or they previously knew before the brain injury occurred.
Contents
- Memory problems and tips on how to cope with them
- Your memory
- Short term and long term memory
- Where are our memories stored?
- How is memory assessed?
- What else can I do to improve my memory?
