2.3: 07. Memory Systems

Front 1

What is working memory?

Back 1

a limited-capacity (i.e. able to hold only about seven recognizable items) system that is capable of storing and manipulating information for short periods of time (i.e. about 20 to 30 seconds) without rehearsal. With rehearsal, information can be maintained in working memory indefinitely

Front 2

What is the visuospatial scratchpad?

Back 2

A "slave buffer system" of working memory that aids the central executive system. It is used to hold visuospatial information. Visual distractions can make it difficult to use this scratchpad

Front 3

What is the phonological loop?

Back 3

A "slave buffer system" of working memory that aids the central executive system. It is used to hold speech-based information. A verbal word distraction will affect this loop and make it more difficult for a patient to learn the words they are trying to remember

Front 4

What are the stages of the three-stage model for frontal systems and memory

Back 4

-Initial Encoding
-Permanent Storage
-Retrieval

Front 5

What is Metamemory?

Back 5

Feeling of knowing
Example: Being able to distinguish if you met someone at a party or in a class
Judgement of how sure you are

Front 6

What is Perseveration?

Back 6

Repeating the same word over and over again.
Can occur in a frontal lobe lesion because the retrieval aspect of memory is malfunctioning

Front 7

What is Intrusion?

Back 7

Inserting a different word when doing memory exercises
Can occur in a frontal lobe lesion because the retrieval aspect of memory is malfunctioning

Front 8

What is Declarative memory?

Back 8

Refers to knowledge of episodes and facts that can be consciously recalled and related (i.e., declared) by the rememberer. It has been characterized as "knowing that ___ is true" and includes such things as memory for the words on a recently presented list and knowledge that a cat is an animal.

Front 9

What is episodic memory?

Back 9

Refers to information that is remembered within a particular temporal and/or spatial context. For example, remembering what you had for breakfast this morning or when you last saw a physician would require retrieval from episodic memory.

Front 10

What is semantic memory?

Back 10

Refers to one’s fund of general knowledge that is not dependent upon contextual cues for its retrieval (e.g., knowing that a cat is an animal with four legs). For example, asking how many feet are in a yard, the name of the first president of the United States, or the capital of California would all involve retrieval from semantic memory.

Front 11

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Back 11

Most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death. It has a gradual, insidious onset, with a generally normal neurologic exam at first but then results in diffuse cortical and subcortical atrophy (especially in the hippocampus). These patients will result in neuropsychological abnormalities in naming, construction, and memory. LOSS OF EPISODIC MEMORY

Front 12

What is frontotemporal dementia

Back 12

A condition resulting from the progressive deterioration of the frontal lobe of the brain. Over time, the degeneration may advance to the temporal lobe. Second only to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in prevalence, FTD accounts for 20% of pre-senile dementia cases. There are three types: Frontal subtype (behavioral/personality changes, dysexecutive), Primary progressive aphasia subtype (Language deficits), and Semantic dementia subtype (Loss of word knowledge)

Front 13

What is procedural memory?

Back 13

Described as knowing how and pertains to an unconscious form of
remembering that is expressed only through the performance of the specific operations comprising a particular task. The use of procedural memory is indicated by the performance of newly acquired motor, perceptual, or cognitive skills. "KNOWING HOW". Example is learning to tie shoes

Front 14

What is Korsakoff's Syndrome

Back 14

A neurological disorder caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the brain. Its onset is linked to chronic alcohol abuse and/or severe malnutrition. There are six major symptoms of Korsakoff's syndrome:
-anterograde amnesia
-retrograde amnesia, severe memory loss
-confabulation, that is, invented memories which are then taken as true due to gaps in memory sometimes associated with blackouts
-meager content in conversation
-lack of insight
-apathy - the patients lose interest in things quickly and generally appear indifferent to change.
These symptoms are caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), which is thought to cause damage to the medial thalamus and mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus as well as generalized cerebral atrophy.

Front 15

What is priming?

Back 15

Facilitation of the processing of stimuli due to prior presentation of the same or related stimuli. Facilitates cognition of the word. It is preserved in korsakoff's syndrome

Front 16

Is priming preserved in Korsakoff's syndrome?

Back 16

Yes

Front 17

Is procedural memory preserved in Korsakoff's Syndrome?

Back 17

Yes. Can still do well learning a skill or motor task (basal ganglia not effected)