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1 .Today, we'll be continuing the series of lectures on memory by focusing on what is called episodic memory
2 .and what can happen if this is not working properly.
1 .Episodic memory refers to the memory of an event or 'episode'.
2 .Episodic memories allow us to mentally travel back in time to an event from the past.
3 .Episodic memories include various details about these events,
4 .for example, when an event happened and other information such as the location.
5 .To help understand this concept,
6 .try to remember the last time you ate dinner at a restaurant.
7 .The ability to remember where you ate, who you were with and the items you ordered are all features of an episodic memory.
1 .Episodic memory is distinct from another type of memory called semantic memory.
2 .This is the type of factual memory that we have in common with everyone else
3 .— that is your general knowledge of the world.
4 .To build upon a previous example,
5 .remembering where you parked your car is an example of episodic memory,
6 .but your understanding of what a car is and how an engine works are examples of semantic memory.
7 .Unlike episodic memory, semantic memory isn't dependent on recalling personal experiences.
1 .Episodic memory can be thought of as a process with several different steps of memory processing:
2 .encoding, consolidation and retrieval.
1 .The initial step is called encoding.
2 .This involves the process of receiving and registering information,
3 .which is necessary for creating memories of information or events that you experience.
4 .The degree to which you can successfully encode information depends on the level of attention you give to an event while it's actually happening.
5 .Being distracted can make effective encoding very difficult.
6 .Encoding of episodic memories is also influenced by how you process the event.
7 .For example, if you were introduced to someone called Charlie,
8 .you might make the connection that your uncle has the same name.
9 .Future recollection of Charlie's name is much easier if you have a strategy to help you encode it.
1 .Memory consolidation, the next step in forming an episodic memory,
2 .is the process by which memories of encoded information are strengthened, stabilised and stored to facilitate later retrieval.
3 .Consolidation is most effective when the information being stored can be linked to an existing network of information.
4 .Consolidation makes it possible for you to store memories for later retrieval indefinitely.
5 .Forming strong memories depends on the frequency with which you try to retrieve them.
6 .Memories can fade or become harder to retrieve if they aren't used very often.
1 .The last step in forming episodic memories is called retrieval, which is the conscious recollection of encoded information.
2 .Retrieving information from episodic memory depends upon semantic, olfactory, auditory and visual factors.
3 .These help episodic memory retrieval by acting as a prompt.
4 .For example, when recalling where you parked your car you may use the colour of a sign close to where you parked.
5 .You actually have to mentally travel back to the moment you parked.
1 .There are a wide range of neurological diseases and conditions that can affect episodic memory.
2 .These range from Alzheimer's to schizophrenia to autism.
3 .An impairment of episodic memory can have a profound effect on individuals' lives.
4 .For example, the symptoms of schizophrenia can be reasonably well controlled by medication;
5 .however, patients' episodic memory may still be impaired and so they are often unable to return to university or work.
6 .Recent studies have shown that computer-assisted games designed to keep the brain active can help improve their episodic memory.
1 .Episodic memories can help people connect with others,
2 .for instance by sharing intimate details about their past;
3 .something individuals with autism often have problems with.
4 .This may be caused by an absence of a sense of self.
5 .This is essential for the storage of episodic memory,
6 .and has been found to be impaired in children with autism.
7 .Research has shown that treatments that improve memory may also have a positive impact on children's social development.
1 .One study looked at a ...