Memory
Memory
Memory is a mental process that entails storage and retrieval of information (Luria, 1976). Memory is an essential process that makes us the people were are. Without memory people would not recall time, places they have been too and even who they are. Jimmie R’s case is a perfect example of how essential memory is to people’s life. Jimmie is lost because he has lost memory of event that happened after he was 19 years old (Sacks). He thinks he is 19 though he is 45 year old. He has a clear picture of how his childhood was but remembers nothing of his adulthood life. The loss of memory has taken away his adulthood years. To him, he feels the he just a 19 year old.
Memory is essential in defining ourselves because they generate self awareness and relationships (Luria, 1976). Jimmie could not remember what he did between his 19th year and 45th year (Sacks). This took away his identity. He was even unable to tell of his experiences in the later year of is navy career or what he was doing in the hospital. The biggest problem was that he had lost himself and was unable to know that he was lost (Sacks). Loss of memory also interferes with people’s relationships. Jimmie forgot that he had met his doctor immediately after the doctor left the room. He even forgot tasks that he done together with the doctor. This is an indication that he was experiencing problems remembering things he done with family members or friends. This must have interfered with his personal relationships. The loss of immediate memory does only affect our history and relationships but also affects our skills (Luria, 1976). The doctor describes Jimmie has bright man who is excellent in science and mathematics. However, he was unable to perform long computational task because he could forget the process when mid-way through solution. Sometimes he could forget the questions. This is evident that memory does not only define our history and relationship but also affects our abilities.
References
Luria. A. (1976). The Neuropsychology of Memory. USA. Halsted Press
Sacks O. The Lost Mariner
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