Abstract
This paper introduces various models of olfaction and memory as studied by psychologists of perception, the emphasis on what abnormal olfaction indicates and why. Reference is made to medical and psychology research to explain a most important area of research revolutionized by neurological and neuro-psychiatric technologies. The writer discusses that almost more important than our knowledge of how olfaction occurs is examination of the implications of an impaired, lost and absent sense of smell.

From the Paper
"Various sources stress that humans are rather `hot wired' for memory and as may not be recognized by most lay people, in relation to smell. Olfaction is closely related to the limbic system of which the hippocampus and amygdala play strong roles in directing both emotions and memory, in a direct link to the cerebral cortex, as compared to signals involving the human senses of touch and taste that follow more circuitous, less direct routes. L.B. Buck with R. Axel, Nobel recipients in the Physiology of Medicine in 2004, documented the ..."

Tags:memory, vibrational

Abstract
The paper analyzes recent research which suggests that is it important to examine gender related differences in autobiographical memory. The paper further analyzes the available studies which suggest that gender differences do exist with respect to autobiographical memory, and may be the result of multiple factors including socialization and cognitive processes. The paper proposes to help fill the gap that currently exists with respect to this line of research. The literature review focuses on the current studies available analyzing the effects of gender on autobiographical recall. The paper specifically attempts to outline what, if any, gender differences exist, where they exist, why they exist and the implications of memory differences between the sexes.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Autobiographical Memory: Gender Differentiation
Analysis and Summary of Literature
Critical Appraisal of Autobiographical Memory Research

From the Paper
"Evidence suggests that children's "schemas change as they age" enabling memories to change frequently, hence "memories from an early age have no suitable framework from which they can be retrieved" (Betz, et al. 1996). Recent research suggests however that children do learn how to represent events early on, and this ability does not change into adulthood. The method of representation to reveal autobiographical memory is through narratives, or the process of learning how to relate information regarding one's autobiographical history through story telling (Betz et al. 1996)."

Tags:emotion, recall, psychology, self

Abstract
This paper addresses short-term memory loss among the elderly. The paper points out that the habit of viewing difficulties of short-term memory loss as normal in aging is countered by knowledge of the phenomenon as a frequent indication of changes in other memory functions. The paper mentions current models, which address short-term memory in relation to brain connectivity, such that impaired short-term memory may be read as a sign for other alterations in memory or brain function that are more significant. The paper looks into a variety of causes in order to gain a better conceptualization of a condition that is a frequent symptom, rather than a disorder all its own. The paper concludes that symptoms involving cognition and memory indicate something, and are not reducible to old models of steady decline, especially mental decline, in old age.

From the Paper
"An aging North American population and much research attention given to Alzheimer's and dementia have produced considerable knowledge of help in understanding other conditions of brain function including mental and nervous disorder. Grady, Furey Et Al (2001) examined altered brain connectivity and the decline of short-term memory of a sample of Alzheimer's patients and a normal control group. Alzheimer's disorder is increasing defined as a syndrome of dysfunctional connectivity within the brain whose most apparent indication is often much impaired short-term memory. Given the technology available to neurologists and neuro-psychiatrists of today, much more is understood of what happens to the memory of the Alzheimer's patient in addition to knowledge allowing us to know more of the normal or aging person who does not present the condition. Delays in cognitive processing due to Alzheimer's changes affect other aspects of memory. For instance, impairment in the functioning of the prefrontal cortex of means the patient cannot recognize a once familiar face, or the face of a caregiver or other individual that is seen daily."

Tags:elderly, forgetfulness, Alzheimer's, retrieval

Abstract
This paper examines how both Richard Rodriguez's "Hunger for Memory" and Thomas Szasz's "The Myth of Psychotherapy" demonstrate the current cultural obsession with self-reflection and the idea that reconstituting, reliving, and recapturing memory is impossible, a lie, and would be dangerous to the psyche and soul's self-development if it were possible. It looks at how Szasz critiques modern psychotherapy's attempt to make morality a mental and medical issue, whereas Rodriguez critiques modern moral educators within the educational establishment who would excuse poor performance by minority students and students from non-English speaking homes. It shows how both suggest objective, external standards to live up to, rather than internal reflection, and how they believe this is the answer to the sense of depression and disenfranchisement so endemic to modern life.

From the Paper
"Hunger for Memory chronicles the autobiography of a young, once-Spanish speaking, now primarily English-speaking young man, of the journey of a Mexican-American named Richard Rodriguez who "made good" and lived the American dream. Yet although Rodriguez states that he has reaped the benefits of material and academic success, he feels alienated from his culture and of the political emphasis of reconstituting one's roots in modern America. This is particularly in terms of language, the author states. Rodriguez, after all, began his schooling in a primarily English-speaking school in Sacramento, California. He knew only a few words of English but Spanish was the primary language of his home."

Tags:culture, education, morals

From the Paper
"The purpose of this paper is to present an in-depth treatment of current theory and research on human memory. In particular, the focus of the paper is on long-term, semantic memory. The treatment begins with a basic definition and delineation of components in human memory systems. After basic terms are defined, the paper presents an explication of current theory and research on semantic memory. In this regard, information on the two basic types of theoretical models of semantic memory are delineated and discussed.

This delineation is followed by a brief review of some empirical investigations of human memory in general and semantic memory in particular, with an emphasis upon information loss or ... "

Abstract
The paper discusses sex differences in visual spatial learning and memory and notes that few studies can explain the causes for these differences and what can effectively alter the results. The paper presents a literature review on this issue and discusses the following queries: (a) At what age do the sex differences occur? (b) Are the sex differences consistent over time? (c) Are the sex differences consistent across species? (d) And is there a relation of physiological behaviors to the difference in visual-spatial abilities?

Outline:
Introduction
What is Visual Spatial Memory?
How Does One Test Visual Spatial Memory?
Background
Current Findings
Beginning Hormonal Research
Animal Findings
Humans
Motivational Studies
Conclusion
Proposed Future Studies

From the Paper
"Males tend to have a more right hemisphere visual-spatial focus than their female counterparts. Females tend to have a more bi-laterally activated visual-spatial memory. These differences have been attributed to an ecological approach, which explains that women developed a need for more verbal abilities in Broca's area, while males needed to focus on the hunting aspect survival and developed a larger area in the hippocampus and para-hippocampal area devoted to visual-spatial abilities. This fact holds true for all species that have been studied in relation to visual-spatial learning and memory. It is widely accepted to be located specifically in the hippocampus of both humans and animals. Spatial tasks are performed through the right parietal regions across these species."

Tags:cultural, theory, brain, lateralization, visual-spatial, abilities, mental, rotation

Abstract
This disease produces a full blown dementia in its patients and affects millions of people and their families. The paper looks closely at the disease and the ways in which individuals and the medical establishment are treating it. Finally, the writer looks at the current research that is looking into fighting the debilitating effects of the disease.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
History
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Current Research
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The progression of the disease is classified into three phases: forgetfulness, confusional and dementia. The forgetfulness phase is the first stage and is characterized by a loss of short term memory. Patients in the phase will often have trouble remembering names of well known people and misplace items on a regular basis. This stage also may include behavioral changes. A loss of spontaneity and social withdrawal often occur as the individual begins to be aware that there is something inherently wrong. Speech problems and difficulty with comprehension may also appear. Cleary, it is difficult to distinguish this patient from normal everyday people or people with other disorders."

Tags:cure, patient, behavioral, loss, disorder

Abstract
The paper examines research involving repressed and recovered memory. The writer begins by pointing out the issues and controversies that the psychiatric community is currently facing. The paper defines repressed memory and recovered memory as a "defense mechanism whereby our thoughts are pulled out of our conscious and into our unconscious".

Contents:
Introduction
Definition of Repressed Memory and Recovered Memory
Issues and controversy
Research
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Recovered Memories are memories that have been repressed and are recovered at some later date. Often times the event is not recovered until years after it has occurred. According to an article, published by Elsevier Science, recovered memory is not a new phenomenon. (Sivers et al 2002) In fact, it was first discovered during the early twentieth century. The article also explains that there are two schools of thought on the topic of recovered memory. The first school of thought asserts that memories of traumatic events can be repressed and recovered and that the recovered memories can be accurate and clear. The second school of thought asserts that adults with problems simply use the theory of repressed memory to make excuses for their dysfunctional lives."

Tags:psychology, trauma, memory, brain, family

Abstract
This paper covers a broad range of areas pertaining to Alzheimer's disease (AD), a devastating disease that ravages the brain, robs the sufferer of their identity and eventually causes death. It looks at how AD is not an inevitable part of aging or an acceleration of aging and how it is a disease belonging to a category of diseases known as dementias, which cause a severe deterioration of several mental functions such as judgment, language and memory. It explores different areas from its neurochemistry, anatomy and neurophysiology, to the alarming statistics, the psychology and observable behavioral changes in all stages of this disease. It also discusses causes, current treatments, and treatments under investigation.

From the Paper
"The first symptoms of AD occur at a microscopic level which affects many areas of the brain and may begin as early as the 20's. Initially, subtle symptoms arise such as forgetfulness and mood change (Jones, 1999). This is due to nerve cell death in the limbic system which undergoes the most severe degenerative changes in AD. The entorhinal cortex is affected earliest and most severely, and shows the clearest evidence of cell loss. This structure is the major relay through which information from the neocortex gets to the hippocampus and back to the neocortex, and it is this degeneration that is thought to cause initial memory loss in AD (Kolb & Whishaw, 1996). Short-term memory is made worse as the hippocampus is gradually ridden with plaques and tangles. Sadly, even long-term memories fade away."

Tags:aging, brain, chemistry, dementia, gerontology, memory, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry

Abstract
This paper discusses Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and dementia that affects millions of people worldwide each year. Although no definitive cause has yet been discovered, this paper reviews current research into various possible causes and risk factors for AD, including pathological causes and lifestyle factors that have been shown to contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease and the implications of these factors for health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment.

Outline:
Pathological Causes of Alzheimer's Disease: Amyloid Plaques and Neurofibrillary Tangles
Genetic Factors in the Development of Alzheimer's Disease
Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Briefly, the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are thought to contribute to the degradation of the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain and the subsequent symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In AD, plaques develop in areas of the brain used for memory.8 Amyloid is a general term for protein fragments that the body produces normally. Beta-amyloid is a fragment of a protein that breaks off from another protein in the body. In a healthy brain, these protein fragments would be broken down. In Alzheimer's disease, the fragments accumulate to form hard, insoluble plaques.8
"Neurofibrillary tangles consist of a series of insoluble twisted fibers found inside the brain's cells. These tangles are made of a protein called tau, which forms part of a structure in the brain called a microtubule. The microtubule helps transport nutrients and other important material from one part of the nerve cell to another. In Alzheimer's disease, however, the tau protein is abnormal and these microtubule structures collapse."

Tags:genetic, discovery, genetic, protein