Page 150 - Encyclopedia of the Unusual and Unexplained Vol. 3

Mysteries of the Mind 131

meaningful experiences that are somehow A chart showing the
encoded in engrams within the neural net- stages of memory,
work of the brain. The process of memory encoding, and storage.
involves an act of consciousness that with- (STANDLEY PUBLICATIONS)
draws a significant or emotional event in an
episodic montage or collage of images, rather
than a complete recall of sensory data.
Scientists believe that long-term memory
requires an extensive encoding in the inner
part of the temporal lobes of the brain. Most
memories are lost, because they were never
successfully encoded. Strong encoding of a
memory may depend upon the individual’s
interests, perception, and needs. Thinking
and talking about an experience at the time it
occurred will also assist in an encoding that
may be recalled at a later time.
Scientists believe that they may have dis- Although numerous anecdotal accounts
covered a biological reason why two people claim that dreams are a vital element in the
who witnessed the same event may, several process of encoding information absorbed dur-
years later, have different memories of what ing the waking hours as memories, Dr. Jerome
really occurred. According to research con- Siegel, a neuroscientist at the University of
ducted at the Center for Neural Science at California, Los Angeles, released his findings
New York University by Drs. Karim Nader to the contrary in 2002. He argued that there
and Glenn Shafe, every time an older memory is no solid evidence to indicate that dreams
is recalled and is brought into consciousness are needed to consolidate memories. In addi-
by an individual, the brain reassembles it, tion, Siegel contested the hypothesis that the
updates it, and makes new proteins before prevention of rapid-eye-movement sleep
placing the memory back in long-term stor- blocked memory formation.
age. Dr. Daniel L. Schacter commented that
the research of Nader and Shafe had offered
the first good neurobiological explanation of
the method in which memories may be updat- MEMORY is the ability to retain and to recall
ed. Schacter added that it is a mistake to personal experiences, information, and various skills
believe that once the brain has recorded a
memory it remains forever fixed. and habits.
Some scientists have theorized that existing
older memories may eventually be erased in the
brain by a process that involves the generation Certain studies on memory show that peo-
of new neurons. The clearing out of certain ple often construct their memories after the
memories to make more room for newer ones fact and that they may be susceptible to sug-
may be important in order to store more recent gestions from others as to the “truth” of what
memories and information. Joe Tsien and his actually occurred. Therefore, it is possible to
colleagues at the Department of Molecular create false memories in some people’s minds
Biology at Princeton University reported their by suggesting that certain events have hap-
discovery that the generation of new neurons is pened to them when, in fact, such circum-
important for the memory-clearance process stances never occurred.
and suggested that chronic abnormalities in the Closely related to false memories, which
clearance process may contribute to the memo- may be instilled within certain individuals’
ry disorder associated with Alzheimer’s disease. minds, is source amnesia in which people accu-

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