Memory and the Brain: Understanding the Complexity

Neuroscientist and author Lisa Genova discusses memory and its relation to normal brain function. She recounts a personal experience of forgetting where she parked her car, which she explains was an issue of distraction rather than memory loss. Genova dismantles the misconception that memory should be perfect, emphasizing that forgetting is a normal part of human brain function. She explains the four steps of memory creation: encoding, consolidation, storage, and retrieval. Genova also provides insights into how memory works and offers practical tips for supporting brain health throughout our lives.