The mind works in a similar manner as a computer. This
 
is in the manner in which it stores information which it
 
finds as important in ways similar to files. This memory
 
is not always perfect, and its function diminishes as
 
people get older. Memory can be defined as a process
 
whereby information on our experiences is stored which
 
we then recover when we recollect them. We often forget
 
things, and this is normal. But some ways in which
 
things are forgotten are an indication of more serious
 
problems. For instance, experiencing difficulties in
 
finding the way home or forgetting such a basic thing as
 
using the telephone can indicate serious problems.
 
Neurologists have divided memory into two divisions:
 
short term memory or STM, also known as working memory,
 
and long term memory or LTM. Short term memory works
 
like the virtual memory in a computer, as it remembers
 
the information in use. Studies have shown that most
 
people put between five and nine items in their short
 
term memories at any given time. Trying to remember more
 
than that causes forgetfulness of some items. In STM,
 
the cerebral cortex of the brain recognizes nerve
 
messages from organs such as the eyes and ears, as well
 
as the touch sensors. The sensory memory holds this
 
sensory stimulus for a fraction of a second. If the
 
individual pays attention to this image for a period of
 
eight consecutive seconds, the stimulus is encoded into
 
the short term memory, failure to which the image is
 
lost. Thereafter, the memory is stored in something
 
similar to an electronic tape loop. When something
 
similar to the completion of a loop is made, one of
 
three things may take place: One, the information can be
 
repeated, either silently or aloud, or it can go into
 
long term memory, or, lastly, the information can be
 
lost.
 
 
Long term memory is the part of our memory having
 
unlimited capacity for storing information and it can be
 
for an extended period of time. The LTM represents three
 
kinds of memory: 1) procedural memory, which is memory
 
that represents skill learning motor or learning such as
 
tying your shoelace. 2) Declarative memory which is a
 
memory for facts. It acquires memories, such as names
 
and dates, fast and loses them fast as well. 3) Remote
 
memories are memories that were collected early, and
 
which form the basis of more recent memories. This kind
 
of memory is therefore easily changed or lost.