Memory and Emotion by James L Mcgaugh

Memory and Emotion by James L Mcgaugh

Memory is central to our existence. But not all memories are created equal. As the novelist Doris Lessing observed, 'It's extraordinary how little we do remember. It's almost as if memory is not considered useful by nature'. So how does memory work, and why do most experiences leave little trace while some leave memories that last a lifetime? Drawing on many fascinating case studies, the author, a distinguished neuroscientist, reveals how some of the best clues to understanding how memories are created come from understanding how memories are lost. He shows how lasting memories are not stored instantly. Rather, the consolidation of long-term memory takes time, and the disruption of newly consolidating memories leaves them permanently weakened. But why is time required? Is the brain a design failure? Perhaps, but most likely not, says the author. The slow consolidation of memory has, he contends, an important adaptive consequence. It allows physiological processes activated by experiences to regulate the strength of the memory for the experiences. Experiences initiate the consolidation of memory. Emotionally arousing experiences also induce the release of stress hormones, which can then act on the brain to influence the consolidation of recent experience. Insignificant experiences therefore leave only fleeting traces and significant experiences become memorable, findings that have important implications for the controversial issues of post-traumatic stress disorder and repressed memory syndrome.

This has a press date of 24 July and we've had the first wonderful review from THE GUARDIAN 'he writes plainly and evocatively, illuminating dark cornerswhile at the same time keeping a healthy respect for the mind's magic'Andrew Motion THE GUARDIAN More reviews to follow

James L. McGaugh is Director of the Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at the University of California in Irvine. He pioneered research into the influence of drugs and hormones on memory, and has written more than 400 scientific papers and co-authored several textbooks. He has appeared on numerous television programmes, including documentaries for the BBC and PBS.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780297645931
ISBN 10	0297645935
Title	Memory and Emotion
Author	James L Mcgaugh
Series	Maps Of The Mind
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Orion Publishing Co
Year published	2003-07-10
Number of pages	176
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable