[Memory and its dysfunction]

Cesk Fysiol. 2010;59(1):15-20.
[Article in Czech]

Abstract

In the last decades interdisciplinary research of memory takes place and it connects regions as cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Learning and memory are theoretical concepts, which enable to explain the fact that personal experience influences the behavior of the particular person. Memory has neuronal representation, which enables recollection of obtained experiences and information, and subsequently enables changes in behavior. The review describes events as registration, formation of memory trace as well as memory retrieval. Memory classification is possible according to many criteria, e.g. according to the length, its conscious recollection and the character of deposited information. Main types of memories are episodic memory (for facts and events), semantic memory (for general knowledge) and procedural memory (the ability to learn behavioral and cognitive abilities and algorithms). At present it is generally accepted that memory is a complicated process, which utilizes several brain structures at the same time that are called memory systems; according to the type of memory the experiences and information are deposited in various brain regions. The present research enables many approaches for determination of the sites of memory deposition. In the present period important role in memory localization have the brain imaging techniques. Together with the study of memory under physiological conditions, in the center of interest there is the study of memory during various life periods, under pathological conditions and diseases. The review is closed by the list of most important diseases in which we observe memory dysfunctions, including the retrograde and anterograde amnesias.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Memory Disorders / classification
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Memory Disorders / psychology