What Types of Memory Impairments are There in Children?

Discussion Memory is an important part of what distinguishes higher order species from others. Memory also is part of one’s self-identity. Difficulties in short-term memory can make common, everyday tasks difficult for the person experiencing the problem particularly if it recently occurred and the person’s long-term memory is intact. Difficulties with long-term memory can also have problems when language, events or even one’s own identity are affected. For some people the memory loss is temporary but for others, memory impairments are permanent and must be accepted and accommodated as part of the overall person. Many people have relatively minor problems that they work with every day which are not disabling (always has a hard time finding a word, or planning details), but others have more severe problems which can be a disability for them. Head injury can be a common, acquired cause of memory problems which maybe temporary or permanent. Amnesia of the event is quite common. Concussive symptoms often last longer in children and teens than in adults, and it is also not uncommon for new symptoms to occur after the initial time period. A review can be found here. Learning Point Short-term memory (STM) Also called immediate memory or working memory STM “…hold[s] current perceived or retrieved information in an active and conscious format during the completion of a cognitive task.” STM “…integrate[s] current information with the ...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news