Long-term Memory: What It Is, Types And How To Improve It

Memory fulfills different functions following three specific phases, encoding, storage and retrieval. These three phases allow learning to be consolidated, sustained over time from its storage and finally be recovered if necessary. The phases of long-term memory functioning are as follows:

• Coding: external inputs received from outside are processed by the person who perceives them. Subsequently, a meaning is attributed to them based on the transformation of the different verbal, visual and/or sensory codes that are perceived.
• Storage: The different meanings elaborated in encoding are retained in the brain. Retention will be different depending on the type of memory that comes into play; in long-term memory, the message will be stored for a longer period than in short-term memory.
• Recovery: When the person needs to recall the stored information, it gives rise to the recovery phase, in which the information that had been recorded in the memories is recovered.

In 1968, Atkinson and Shiffrin presented the explanatory model of memory most used today to understand its functioning. These two authors defended that the inputs received from the senses were processed in the sensory store, to later be received in the short-term memory, which consists of a short duration and limited capacity. Faced with this, certain information passes to the next store, long-term memory.

In long-term memory, information is retained for a longer period of time, which can range between seconds and years , so that the information selected to be part of the long-term store is retained until it must be recalled and has a capacity that is practically unlimited. What is long term memory? Long-term memory is one of the types of memory, which has a longer duration.

Types of long-term memory

Within long-term memory, we can find two main types of long-term memory: explicit or declarative memory and implicit or non-declarative memory, added by the works of Cohen and Squire (1980, 1992). Below we will delve into the two types of long-term memory.

Declarative memory, also known as explicit memory, is one of the types of long-term memory. Declarative memory has the function of bringing our memories to consciousness, that is, that information retained in memory about which the person is aware and evokes it voluntarily when necessary. This type of memory allows us remember past experiences, recognize historical events, be able to name what we ate this afternoon, etc. Declarative memory or explicit memory includes all the elements that can be remembered in words. This type of memory can be divided into two subtypes:

• Semantic memory : this type of declarative and long-term memory stores all the education acquired of the person, that is, it retains the facts and concepts acquired in our cultural education, world events and gives meaning to the words and vocabulary. It is the one that allows us to know which is the capital of Spain or at what temperature the water should boil.
• Episodic memory : stores memories that refer to biographical and personal events each. It allows us to remember what we had for dinner that night or what our first day at university was like. Therefore, this type of long-term declarative memory can also be called autobiographical memory.

Implicit or non-declarative memory is one of the types of long-term memory. Implicit memory refers to the set of stored information that is not conscious or is not evoked voluntarily, unlike what happens in declarative memory. This type of memory understand our skills and is divided into different categories:

• Procedural memory : It has the function of storing the knowledge acquired in relation to our abilities and skills, that is, it allows us to remember our habits and skills already learned , like cycling or driving. They are learned gradually through repetition and feedback, so that they become automated actions thanks to practice.
• Priming : This type of non-declarative memory has the function of remembering some type of information that was previously learned.
• Conditioning : This type of memory refers to associative learning, that is, a response is automatically triggered when faced with a given stimulus, without it appearing consciously. For example, operant conditioning.

Each type of memory, such as long-term or short-term memory, can be stimulated, developed and activated, if time is invested in working on them and a lifestyle with healthy habits is promoted. There are different resources that can contribute to better stimulation of memory systems. How to improve long-term memory? To improve long-term memory it is important to:

• Stimulate the body: Many studies defend the correlation between physical exercise and better productivity in memory systems.
• Correct nutrition: In addition to a healthy diet, there are certain foods that are related to an increase in memory activity. Some of the foods for memory are oily fish, nuts, green vegetables and fruits (especially red fruits and apples). However, in the same way that we find foods that help stimulate memory, there are a set of foods that damage our brain, thereby affecting the productivity of memory, such as foods with high saturated fat content, red meat, fried foods and junk food, sweets and cakes, fatty cheeses and foods with high sugar or salt content.
• Rest: In the same way that physical stimulation is very important for activating memory, hours of rest are also essential for its correct functioning, recommending 8 hours of sleep a day.
• Exercises to improve long-term memory: in order to strengthen memory and give it more productive use, the only way is not to study, there are many games that allow memory improvement. The two types of exercises that most promote the development, stimulation and activation of long-term memory are concentration exercises and verbal fluency exercises. Here you can find games to improve memory.

Memory loss consists of pathological forgetfulness and can present as frequent loss of personal items, disorientation, or not remembering important appointments. Memory loss can be temporary or permanent. The causes of memory loss are usually health problems, emotional disorders and dementia.

• If you want to check how your memory is you can take the memory test.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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