Memory and the Hippocampus

Paper Summary:

The paper explains that the formation of emotion, motivation and long-term memory happens in the limbic system and is performed primarily by the hippocampus. The paper relates that at age 6 or 7, memories consolidate and beyond this time, new memories are usually not processed. The paper shows how, therefore, if a person was abused or neglected as a child, painful or unbearable memory is preserved for a lifetime. This causes damage to the hippocampus and the powers of recall, making a healthy, normal life of open communication extremely difficult or impossible. The paper stresses how this is a consistent condition among survivors of severe childhood abuse whose subsequent interpersonal relations in later life are seriously compromised.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Psychologists and neuroscientists generally agree that the hippocampus plays an essential role in the formation of new memories about experienced events and as part of a larger medial temporal lobe memory system for facts and episodes (Wikipedia 2006). These memories last a lifetime but the role of the hippocampus ceases after a period of consolidation of the memories. Damage to it renders the formation of new memories or anterograde amnesia very difficult and impedes access to stored memories before the damage or retrograde amnesia. It is believed that older memories are transferred out of the hippocampus to other parts of the brain as a result."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Al-Kurdi, H. (2006). Messing with Our Minds. Dirty Tricks, Inc. VOXNYC. http://www.voxfux.com/features/mind_control_child_abuse_cover_up.html
• Bower, B. (1996). Small Hippocampus Linked to Higher Risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Science News: Science Service, Inc. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1200/is_n20_v149/ai_18319734
• Brick, N. D. (2005). How Childhood Sexual Abuse Affects Interpersonal Relations. Smart News. http://members.aol.com/smartnews/howchildhoodsa.htm
• Carloff, A. (2002). Child Abuse and Damage. Punkerslut. http://www.punkerslut.com/articles/childabuse.html
• Cohen, Noah Hass-. (2001). Toward an Integrated Art Therapy. Mind-Body Landscape New Mexico: IAATA Conference. http://www.laiat.com/article3.html

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