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Memory

Your mind works a lot like a computer. Your brain puts information it judges to be important into "files." When you remember something, you pull up a file. Memory doesn't always work perfectly. As people grow older, it may take longer to retrieve those files. Some adults joke about having a "senior moment."

It's normal to forget things once in awhile. We've all forgotten a name, where we put our keys, or if we locked the front door. But forgetting how to use the telephone or find your way home may be signs of a more serious problem. These include Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, stroke, depression, head injuries, thyroid problems, or reactions to certain medicines. If you're worried about your forgetfulness, see your doctor.

National Institute on Aging

Memory on Wikipedia

:''For computer memory, see computer storage.'' '''Memory''' is a function of the and neuroscience. There are multiple types of classifications for memory based on duration, nature and retrieval of perceived items. The main stages in the formation and retrieval of memory, from an information processing perspective, are: * ''Encoding'' (processing and combining of received information) * ''Storage'' (creation of a permanent record of the encoded information) * ''Recollection'' (calling back the stored information in response to some cue for use in some process or activity)

Classification by duration

A basic and generally accepted classification of memory is based on the duration of memory retention, and identifies three distinct types of memory: ''sensory memory'', ''short-term memory'', and ''long-term memory''. The ''sensory memory'' corresponds approximately to the initial moment that an item is perceived. Some of this information in the sensory area proceeds to the sensory store, which is referred to as ''short-term memory''. Sensory memory is characterized by the duration of memory retention from milliseconds to seconds and short-term memory from seconds to minutes. These stores are generally characterised as of strictly limited capacity and duration, whereas in general stored information can be retrieved in a period of time which ranges from days to years; this type of memory is called ''long-term memory''. It may be that short-term memory is supported by transient changes in neuronal communication, whereas long-term memories are maintained by more stable and permanent changes in neural structure that are dependent on protein synthesis. Some psychologists, however, argue that the distinction between long- and short-term memories is arbitrary, and is merely a reflection of differing levels of activation ...   [ Read More ]


External Resources

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Szpilman's Warsaw - Offers the history behind The Pianist, including historical film footage, interviews, and archive material.

Pure Country Memories - Collection of mainly George Strait images from the film.

Blade Runner Dream - Dedicated to the renowned filmmaker Ridley Scott and the memory of the writer Phillip K Dick. Including movie review, information, character sypnosis and photographs.

Lacuna Inc. - Official site for a fictional company featured in the film that erases the personal memories of past loved ones. Includes overview of the film and trailer.

Gone With The Wind by Jane Marie - Includes memories, quotes and trivia by Jane Marie.

Haldir of Lorien: RIP - Interactive site in memory of deceased Elf character.

Unorthodox Reel: Dislocated Structure and the Vagueness of Memories - Analysis of the film's structure.

New York Daily News: Son Builds a Dad from Memories - Review by Jami Bernard.

The Nephew - In Memory of Donal McCann - Fan page including release dates, and related articles, reviews, and links.

American Memory - Early Motion Pictures, 1897-1920 - Summary, production notes, digitized film in QuickTime, MPEG, and RealMedia formats.



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