Synopsis: The only reason we can function is because we are able to store and retrieve information based on our experience. Memory is a fascinating and vital area of human function which causes considerable problems for people in a variety of circumstances. Everything from simple forgetting in an examination or ward round, or in day-to-day life through to specific memory impairments from brain insults through to the devastation caused by neuro-degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease demonstrate how crucial memory is. We all wish we had better memory. This lecture looks at some of the functional characteristics of memory and provides a few tips on what you can do to improve your own memory performance. As a clinician, you need to know about the normal parameters of memory function and what is normal and abnormal in terms of memory function.

Now if I could only remember what I was going to say next….