Hyperthymesia: More Than Just a Good Memory
Medically reviewed by Brigid Dwyer, MD
Hyperthymesia is when a person can remember most of their life experiences and things they learned with great detail. This is different from having an above-average memory. There is no individual test for hyperthymesia, but evaluation procedures include extensive memory testing and questions related to public events that happened in the past.
Hyperthymesia is also sometimes referred to as hyperthymestic syndrome or highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM).
Learn about hyperthymesia, the signs, benefits, downsides, who gets it, and more.
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Defining Hyperthymesia Memory
People with hyperthymesia have a near-perfect memory. They can recall every single day of their lives, including a lot of detail, with almost complete accuracy. However, this does not mean they can learn new concepts more easily, and they typically receive average scores on intelligence tests.
It is their ability to remember that is exceptional.
What People Remember
The average person can remember important events and things that stand out to them. However, they tend to forget many things the brain considers less important. Also, the details are generally not entirely accurate when you recall past experiences. This is why two people who share the same experience may have very different memories when retelling the story.
People with hyperthymesia, however, remember everything they experience.
Their memory holds onto learned information, such as the following, and they can recall very specific details of the place and time when they learned this information:
Dates
Historical information
Facts
Statistics
Public events
Brain Activity
The brain's structure and activity level may differ among people with hyperthymesia. Each area of the brain has a role, as follows:
The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for memory processing as it relates to emotions, such as forming memories connected to positive and negative emotional experiences.
The hippocampus is responsible for learning and memory formation regarding everyday events, like dates and locations.
Research using brain imaging shows that people with hyperthymesia have a larger right amygdala and an improved connection between the amygdala and the hippocampus. They may also experience increased activity in the brain compared to people without hyperthymesia. This means that the brain may be sending and receiving more signals.
How Do People Know They Have Hyperthymesia Syndrome?
There is no individual diagnostic test for hyperthymesia syndrome.
However, it can be identified with a combination of screening tools such as:
Memory testing
Interviewing
Brain imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
People with this condition may be suspected of having a good memory at a very young age when they can recall things that other children cannot. That can lead to further evaluation and testing by a qualified healthcare specialist such as a neurologist or psychologist.
Hyperthymesia Benefits and Downsides
There are apparent benefits of hyperthymesia, such as having an easier time preparing for tests or remembering birthdays and anniversaries. However, there are downsides as well.
They remember all of their life events in accurate detail, even the unpleasant parts. Focusing too much on memories—especially unpleasant memories—can adversely affect sleep and increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Who Gets Hyperthymesia?
Hyperthymesia is extremely rare. Although more cases are suspected, only 33 scientifically confirmed cases have been identified worldwide. Having so few cases makes identifying patterns and determining the condition's causes challenging. It is not clear why some people get hyperthymesia.
While the causes are unknown, there may be some risk factors. Causes give rise to something occurring. Risk factors, though, can increase susceptibility but may or may not be the cause.
People with hyperthymesia have differences in their brains, such as a bigger right amygdala and an improved connection between the amygdala and the hippocampus, but this may not cause hyperthymesia. Genetics may play a role, but there is not enough research to support this theory. More research is needed to determine who gets hyperthymesia and why it happens.
People Without Hyperthymesia: How to Improve Memory
There is no known way to develop hyperthymesia. However, there are ways to improve your memory. Additionally, these methods can help to prevent age-related memory loss.
Some ways to improve memory include:
Connecting with friends
Doing puzzles and playing games that strengthen the brain
Eating plenty of nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, nuts, and berries
Getting enough quality sleep
Implementing focusing techniques and limiting distractions
Incorporating relaxation exercises into your routine
Learning new things
Limiting processed foods and sugar
Practicing stress management
Talking to a healthcare professional if taking any medications with memory loss as a possible side effect
Treating any underlying health concerns that may affect memory
While you can improve your memory through the above strategies, talk to a healthcare provider if you're concerned about memory loss.
Related: 12 Ways to Improve Memory and Concentration
Summary
Hyperthymesia is more than a good memory. It occurs in people who can accurately remember almost everything they have ever experienced or learned. They can recall past events and information in detail, including dates and facts. While they have remarkable memory abilities, they typically have average scores on intelligence tests.
The cause of hyperthymesia is unknown, and no individual test exists to identify it. However, certain areas of the brain appear larger on imaging of people with this condition, and there may be a genetic component. Despite the benefits of having a good memory, hyperthymesia has downsides. It can be challenging to hold on to details of unpleasant events that people without hyperthymesia forget.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
