Find the keys to understand the brain function that allows us to store and process information from everyday experiences

The main characteristic of the human being to feel conscious and active is his memory. Many have wondered, for instance, how are memories created? What function of the organism allows that part to always be active? Taking this issue to a scientific depth is a challenge, since it is talking about a unique matter that makes the human being inquire and question a little more about its existence and the reason of it. However, there are logically probable answers.

Initially, it has to be defined correctly what memories are. In science, we talk directly about memory, whose brain function is to store information according to our environment, which then becomes mental representations of the external world. Although the neuronal processes that develop data storage in the brain turn out to be unknown, they are also incredible, because without those human beings would not be aware of their evolution nor would they be creators of amazing ideas for the future.

However, neuroscience researcher Óscar Galicia describes memories as the space whose result is everything we learn and tends to be useful in everyday life. The particularity of the memory is that it keeps the memories updated in a fascinating way. It also makes a distinction about what are functional and what are not. That is to say, those that are not useful for human begin to disappear and when trying to bring them back to mind, it would be too difficult.

On the other hand, emotions and feelings play a very important role in memories, because they influence the sensations of all the experiences we live throughout life. The researcher considers it as a benefit that is indispensable in the development of human existence and without doubt gives meaning to it, which causes the desire to preserve or forget them.

The memories help us in a great way to make decisions, to make the individual feel comfortable with their environment or in the worst case, prevent it if one is exposed to any danger. This is due to the experiences that accumulate in the brain and influences the determinations to be made under any circumstance. In this way, learning has a significant relevance to face the unexpected situations of man.

However, these can also generate a great impact on the person, due to the functions of controlling their emotions. No matter the nature of the memory, the issue really is to have the ability to find a correct way out and that the individual does not develop an attachment to his feelings, which as a consequence would not allow him to advance in his personal aspects.

Finally, the specialist Óscar Galicia affirms that it is not necessary to try to eliminate or permanently block the memories, as unpleasant as they may be. On the contrary, it is about identifying the emotions that are obtained and from there, nurturing those that benefit us. While those do not help our well-being, it is best to learn to have control over them and maintain their value in memory.

Latin American Post | Brandon Martínez
Translated from ” Recuerdos: ¿Cómo se forman y de qué están hechos?”