Get the Facts About Episodic Memory

When you encounter a person you feel you know but fail to remember their name or where you met can be very disturbing. Your mind will not be at ease because it will constantly think of that person and try to remember where and who they are. For peace of mind, you will need to recollect the events and situations that can aid in remembering that person. Here, you will have put your mind to work. It is what you get when you are having a problem with your episodic memory. Trying to put together a particular memory means that your brain incorporates different parts to come up with a clear memory.

What is an Episodic Memory?

It is one’s recollection of a particular event. This type of memory is exceptional because every person has their distinctive perspective of the events and experiences at a specific time of their lives.

Episodic memory is categorized as long-term memory that entails recalling specific experiences, events, and situations. Here, the brain activates two of its crucial parts; the hippocampus and the frontal lobe. The former records new perceptions, thoughts, and more, whereas the latter focuses, retrieves, and relates issues. Remembering something even after some time, these two parts of the brain must work together to achieve that. Making memories is inevitable. However, keeping them depends on the time and the activities involved.

Creation of Memory

Remembering something, you need to first of all experience or take part in that particular event. Here, the brain goes through an encoding process whereby it receives and registers information. Skipping this process means no recollection of anything that happens.

Encoding requires one to pay attention to the events in their lives. If the details escape us, the brain cannot process nor produce whatever is going on. That explains how you can forget something that you feel you know or have come across. Therefore, paying attention is vital for better memory.

Types of Episodic Memories

Episodic memory has four categories. These include;

Specific Events

It is a recollection of a particular event that you experienced firsthand. Recalling everything that happened to you on your 16th birthday specifies the memory. It is a memory from your personal history.

Individual Facts

These involve things or people that were there when you were experiencing a particular event. Rain on your wedding day is a perfect example in this category. Another example can be the name of the first pet that you brought in your new house.

General Events

Here, you remember how something feels in your perspective. It is referred to as general because most people go through the same event. However, how you choose to recollect it differentiates it. Getting your degree or recalling how a kiss feels are good examples.

Flashbulb Memories

These are vivid and comprehensive pictures that relate to the discovery of important news or information. Mostly, the events are personal and can spark certain emotions, good or bad. For example, recalling when a pet died and the events that occurred before and after finding out.

How to Improve Episodic Memory

There are times when we don’t seem to remember a particular memory. This can be frustrating because we depend on such memories in our day-to-day lives. As mentioned, paying attention ensures good memory. You can also get cues that aid in triggering a certain memory that you’re likely to forget. Supplements may also physiologically increase your memory. You can add them to your regimen to enhance brainpower.

Conclusion

Recalling things or names of the people you’ve encountered ensures peace of mind. Therefore, it is ideal to remember certain things, experiences, and people you come across. Some memories might contain important information that may save a situation.