Biological differences in individuals with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM)
Individuals who have Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) demonstrate the ability to recall accurately vast amounts of remote salient autobiographical events without the explicit use of mnemonics . HSAM is readily distinguishable from other forms of exceptional memory such as that found in mnemonists. One technique for producing strong memories is through overt intensive memorization of material and or use of mnemonic techniques. In contrast, HSAM individuals report that they do not rehearse their experiences or use mnemonic techniques with the explicit intent to create strong memories, unlike many memory experts. Interestingly, although they have exceptional autobiographical memory, they are no better than control subjects at laboratory memorization tasks .Therefore, the study of individuals who have strong and lasting memories of ordinary daily experiences provides a novel perspective from which to investigate memory encoding, storage, and retrieval . The aim of this report is to demonstrate the biological differences between normal population and individuals with HSAM
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Highly superior autobiographical memory is abbreviated as HSAM. Hyperthymestic syndrome or hyperthymesia . It is a memory related phenomena or abnormality which is characterized by the ability to accurately recall an exceptional number of experiences and their associated dates from events occurring throughout much of one’s lifetime. Individuals have the ability to concentrate deeply, blocking out distractions in the environment around them. The source of this ability has only begun to be explored . Alternatively, they can be easily distracted by their memories and lose focus on things going on around them. Also They’re more likely to daydream and fantasize.
