Learning and Memory Lecture by Dr. Frank Longo at Stanford University

Introduction

• Dr. Longo's background
  • From Southern California, education at UC San Diego
  • Neurology work at UCSF and UNC
  • Came to Stanford in 2006 to chair the Neurology department
• Focus on learning, memory, and dementia research

Overview of Memory and Learning

• Broad interdisciplinary topic: philosophy, psychology, neurology, psychiatry, criminal law
• Definitions
  • Memory: Ability to record and recall information
  • Learning: Ability to retain and respond to information
• Historical perspectives from Greek mythology and philosophers

Memory Models

• Atkinson and Shiffrin's Model (1960s)
  • Sensory Register: Brief sensory input storage
  • Short-Term Memory (STM): Lasts seconds to half a minute, limited capacity (7±2 items)
  • Long-Term Memory (LTM): Unlimited capacity, long-lasting
  • Central Executive: Manages cognitive processes, includes inner voice and inner eye
  • Working Memory: Similar to STM but integrates LTM, used for real-time processing

Short-Term Memory Characteristics

• Digit Span Test
  • Most people can remember 7 digits
  • Techniques like chunking can improve digit span
• Working Memory
  • Holding and manipulating information (e.g., mental math)
  • Tested through tasks like spelling words backward

Long-Term Memory Assessment

• Wechsler Memory Scale
  • Measures various memory aspects: orientation, logical memory, facial recognition, word lists, etc.
• Techniques for improving memory
  • Association, chunking, visualization

Long-Term Memory Types

• Declarative Memory (explicit)
  • Episodic: Personal experiences and events
  • Semantic: Facts and general knowledge
• Non-Declarative Memory (implicit)
  • Procedural: Skills and tasks (e.g., playing piano)
  • Perceptual representation, classical conditioning, reflex paths

Brain Structures Involved in Memory

• Hippocampus: Central for encoding and retrieving memories, located in the medial temporal lobe
• Cortical Areas: Different areas for different types of memory (e.g., visual, auditory)
• Distributed Networks: Memory is distributed across various brain regions
• Functional MRI Studies: Show activation patterns during memory tasks

Case Studies of Amnesia

• Patient HM: Famous case of anterograde and graded retrograde amnesia after hippocampal surgery
  • Key insights into memory processes and structures
• Clive Wearing: Severe case of both anterograde and retrograde amnesia due to herpes encephalitis
  • Demonstrated continual short-term memory reset

Imaging and Memory Networks

• Functional MRI reveals complex memory networks
• Sleep's role in memory consolidation
• Differences in brain activation for true vs. fake memories

Synaptic Mechanisms of Memory

• Long-Term Potentiation (LTP): Strengthening of synapse with repeated stimulation
• Synaptic Plasticity: Dynamic changes in synapse connections based on activity
• Protein Involvement: Specific proteins like NMDA receptors play key roles

Exceptional Memory Cases

• Hyperthymesia: Exceptional autobiographical memory
  • Case of Jill Price (AJ) who remembers every day in detail

Pop Culture and Memory

• Films like Memento explore realistic memory loss scenarios
• Common fictional trope of retrograde amnesia

Real vs. Fake Memory Loss

• Criteria for distinguishing genuine memory loss from feigned amnesia
  • Patterns of memory loss, consistency, and brain imaging evidence

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding memory for various fields and personal well-being
• Dynamic nature of brain and memory processes

Q&A and Final Remarks

• Encouragement to continue learning and exploring memory topics

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For more information, visit Stanford University's website.