Human Organic Memory Disorders

Brain damage can cause memory to break down in a number of different ways, the analysis of which can illuminate how the intact brain mediates memory processes. After first considering the problems involved in assessing memory, this book provisionally advances a taxonomy of elementary memory disorders and, for each in turn, reviews both the specific processes that are disrupted and the lesions responsible for the disruption. These disorders include short-term memory deficits, deficits in previously well-established memory, memory decifits caused by frontal lobe lesions, the organic amnesias, the disorders of conditioning and skill acquisition. Particular attention is paid to the organic amnesias, about which we know the most, and to the contributions of animal models to our knowledge. Andrew Mayes argues that the memory deficits found in several neurological and psychiatric syndromes comprise co-occurring elementary memory disorders. Finally, he outlines the implications of his taxonomy for our understanding of normal memory. A wide audience of researchers and students will find Human Organic Memory Disorders a helpful guide to a complex problem area.

Providing clear, comprehensible information for general readers, this three-volume, A-Z encyclopedia covers the major theories and findings associated with our understanding of human memory and some of the crippling disorders associated with memory malfunction. This encyclopedia comprehensively addresses one of the most critical components of human intelligence--memory. Comprising approximately 500 A-Z entries written by experts who have studied memory and its impacts, the work defines complex terminology for lay readers and includes answers to the most common questions regarding human memory. Readers will gain an understanding of the various psychological and physiological systems of memory, such as short-term or procedural memory; comprehend the principles that underlie effective encoding, storage, and construction of memories; and learn the truth about often misconceptualized conditions like "amnesia" or how our memories are stored in bits and pieces rather than linearly like a recorded tape or video. This set is ideal for high school students writing term papers or studying for advanced examinations such as Advanced Placement (AP) in psychology. The volumes also provide a breadth of information invaluable to family members, friends, and caretakers of individuals who suffer from various memory disorders, including descriptions of major disorders, explanations of specific memory deficits, strategies for memory improvement, and information on the parts of the brain that access and store memory as well as the types of tests used to assess memory loss. Also included are biographies of key contributors to the field of cognitive psychology, and to the area of memory in particular.

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

The eagerly awaited 2nd edition of this classic handbook is a critical, thorough account of memory disorders relating to neurological processes and to developmental and acquired brain damage and presents comprehensive sections on theory, assessment, treatment and management of memory disorders. Written by a truly international team of experts, this completely updated edition offers an authoritative review of the key areas of research and development in this field. ? Completely updated and expanded ? New sections and chapters reflect many of the biggest growth areas in the field in recent years, such as confabulation, false memory and the frontal lobes ? Written by an international team of experts

More than 600 clear, concise entries explore such topics as the anatomy of the brain; the role of the brain in the central nervous system; how thoughts, feelings, and memories develop; the effects of brain injuries; and the impact of major brain diseases. The glossary, bibliography, and appendixes have also been thoroughly revised.

Memory complaints are a frequent feature of psychiatric disorder, even in the absence of organic disease. In this practical reference for the clinician, first published in 2000, German Berrios and John Hodges lead an international team of eminent psychiatrists, behavioural neurologists and clinical psychologists to focus on the psychiatric and organic aspects of memory disorders from the perspective of the multidisciplinary memory clinic. These disorders include organic syndromes such as the dementias, the amnesic syndrome and transient amnestic states, and also psychiatric aspects of memory disorders in the functional psychoses. Among the specific topics reviewed are the paramnesias, conditions such as déjà vu, flashbulb and flashback memories, and the problems of recovered, false and feigned memories. Throwing light on established conditions, and also introducing two new syndromes, this book makes a major contribution to the understanding and clinical management of memory disorders in psychiatry, neuropsychology and other disciplines.

In the past decade, enormous strides have been made in understanding the human brain. The advent of sophisticated new imaging techniques (e.g. PET, MRI, MEG, etc.) and new behavioral testing procedures have revolutionized our understanding of the brain, and we now know more about the anatomy, functions, and development of this organ than ever before. However, much of this knowledge is scattered across scientific journals and books in a diverse group of specialties: psychology, neuroscience, medicine, etc. The Encyclopedia of the Human Brain places all information in a single source and contains clearly written summaries on what is known of the human brain. Covering anatomy, physiology, neuropsychology, clinical neurology, neuropharmacology, evolutionary biology, genetics, and behavioral science, this four-volume encyclopedia contains over 200 peer reviewed signed articles from experts around the world. The Encyclopedia articles range in size from 5-30 printed pages each, and contain a definition paragraph, glossary, outline, and suggested readings, in addition to the body of the article. Lavishly illustrated, the Encyclopedia includes over 1000 figures, many in full color. Managing both breadth and depth, the Encyclopedia is a must-have reference work for life science libraries and researchers investigating the human brain.

The chapters published in this volume developed from presentations, and their associated discussions at a conference organised by the Scottish Branch of the British Psychological Society, held at Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland in September 1987. The goal of the conference was to bring together workers across a wide area of neuropsychological research to discuss recent technological advances, developments in assessment and rehabilitation, and to address theoretical issues of current interest. Thus, the chapters in this book include contributions on the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in neuropsychological research, studies of hemi spheric specialisation and cooperation, alcoholic and Alzheimer type dementia, prosopagnosia and facial processing, the assessment, management and rehabilitation of memory problems, the assessment of premorbid intellectual status and issues in developmental neuropsychology. Many of those engaged in research and clinical practice in neuropsychology encounter a range of topic at least as wide as this in their professional lives. The opportunity for researchers and clinicians to discuss some of the key issues in the field was invaluable and we hope that readers gain as much from the material presented here as the participants did from the meeting itself.