Thinking about Thinking: The Complexity of Memories

Synopsis

Memory is information which is received, encoded, stored and then retrieved when needed. In this seminar, we will look at storage and retrieval of memories at a molecular level, where memories can be modelled as engrams. An engram is the basic unit of memory first hypothesised by Richard Semon in 1905, where memories are defined as stimulation that causes a physical, chemical or mental change due to the exposure of this stimulation. We will explore a model proposed as Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Hypothesis to understand the physics behind the process of memory. We will examine certain the risks factors and complexity that can affect the process of a memory storage or retrieval, while exploring how we can use this knowledge to better understand memory linked illnesses like Alzheimer’s.