Ologies with Alie Ward: Mnemonology (MEMORY) Part 2 with Michael Yassa

Release Date: December 11, 2024
Guest: Dr. Michael Yassa, Neurobiologist, Professor, and Director of UC Irvine's Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

1. Introduction to Mnemonology Part 2

In the second installment of the Mnemonology series, Alie Ward welcomes back listeners to delve deeper into the intricate world of memory. Joining her is Dr. Michael Yassa, an esteemed neurobiologist who unpacks complex memory-related topics through engaging discussions and audience questions.

2. Face Recognition and Prosopagnosia

Prosopagnosia, commonly known as face blindness, is a focal point in this episode. Dr. Yassa explains the evolutionary significance of face recognition and its challenges.

• Prevalence and Experience:
  "Developmental prosopagnosia... is more common than previously thought," explains Dr. Yassa (03:32).

• Alie Ward’s Insight:
  Alie elaborates, "It's like seeing a tree and trying to pick out that specific tree in a forest," emphasizing the difficulty faced by individuals with prosopagnosia (03:32).

3. Memory and Association Techniques

The discussion transitions to effective methods for remembering names and faces.

• Memory Champions' Strategies:
  Dr. Yassa shares techniques employed by memory grandmasters, such as forming strong personal associations. He highlights the importance of making connections vivid and emotionally significant (06:08).

• Listener Contributions:
  Summer recalls Adam Savage's trick of associating names with familiar characters, reinforcing the power of personal connections in memory retention (05:45).

4. Emotional Impact on Memory

Emotions play a pivotal role in how memories are formed and retained.

• Enhancing Memory through Emotion:
  "Having an emotional connection strengthens the way that you store a memory," states Dr. Yassa (08:25). He explains that emotionally charged experiences are more likely to be stored for longer durations.

• Selective Memory Processing:
  Dr. Yassa notes, "Emotion creates a competition between some central features of the experience and then a lot of the peripheral stuff kind of doesn't win out," indicating that emotions can both enhance and obscure certain memory details (08:25).

5. Technological Influences on Memory

The episode delves into how modern technology, particularly smartphones and apps, affects our memory.

• Impact of Distraction:
  Dr. Yassa expresses concern over distractions from devices, likening their effect on memory to "Swiss cheese" (10:07):
  "Replacing actually experiencing something... with some 2D version... changes how these memories are stored," he explains.

• Memory Logging Apps:
  Alie references studies on apps like One Second Every Day, which can help Alzheimer's patients connect with their past through video prompts (13:05).

6. Photographic and Eidetic Memory

The concept of photographic memory is scrutinized and largely debunked.

• Myth Busting Photographic Memory:
  Dr. Yassa firmly states, "Photographic memory does not exist," clarifying that while exceptional memory abilities exist, true photographic memory is a myth (14:27).

• Eidetic Memory Explained:
  Alie distinguishes between photographic and eidetic memory, noting that the latter allows for detailed recall without lasting forever (15:52).

7. Short-term vs. Long-term Memory

Clarification is provided on the commonly misunderstood terms related to memory duration.

• Defining Memory Types:
  Dr. Yassa explains, "Short term memory is extremely short. It's the span of seconds," contrasting it with long-term memory, which encompasses recent and remote memories (36:08).

• Misconceptions Addressed:
  He emphasizes that what many refer to as short-term memory issues are actually problems with recent long-term memories (37:24).

8. Smell and Memory

The unique relationship between olfaction and memory retrieval is explored.

• Direct Access to Memory Centers:
  Dr. Yassa highlights, "Your sense of smell... has direct access to your hippocampus," explaining why certain scents can vividly trigger memories (22:07).

• Challenges in Smell Identification:
  Alie adds, "Our sense of smell isn't keen enough to save us, essentially," noting the difficulty in labeling and recalling smells compared to other senses (23:22).

9. Concussions, TBI, and Memory

The effects of traumatic brain injuries on memory systems are discussed.

• Vulnerability of the Hippocampus:
  Dr. Yassa remarks, "The hippocampus... is one of the most vulnerable systems in the brain," explaining its susceptibility to injuries and its critical role in memory (26:52).

• Individual Variability in Injuries:
  He underscores the complexity of TBIs, stating, "No two injuries are the same," which makes understanding their impact on memory challenging (25:31).

10. Debunking the Goldfish Memory Myth

A humorous yet informative segment addresses the myth that goldfish have fleeting memories.

• Scientific Findings:
  Alie references studies demonstrating that goldfish can accurately estimate distances and distinguish between objects, debunking the myth of their short-lived memory (40:02; 41:00).

• Dr. Yassa’s Take:
  "Flim flam goldfish memories are not trash," assures listeners of the cognitive abilities of these often-misunderstood creatures (40:02).

11. Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease

A comprehensive breakdown distinguishes between general dementia and Alzheimer's.

• Dementia Defined:
  Dr. Yassa clarifies, "Dementia is a larger umbrella term and Alzheimer's disease is one of the principal causes of dementia," outlining other causes like Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases (42:33).

• Biological Underpinnings:
  He discusses the role of plaques and tangles in Alzheimer's, noting that while amyloid plaques are associated with the disease, they alone are not sufficient to cause dementia (45:52).

12. Preventing and Slowing Dementia

Listeners receive actionable advice on maintaining cognitive health.

• Physical Activity:
  "Regular physical activity... is associated with reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease," advises Dr. Yassa, emphasizing the importance of staying active throughout life (51:42).

• Social Engagement:
  He highlights the significance of social interactions, stating, "Being around people in older age is really key," and cautions against the isolating effects of retirement and technological substitutes like Zoom (51:58).

• Dietary Considerations:
  Alie references the Mediterranean diet as beneficial for brain health, noting studies that link heart-healthy eating patterns with cognitive longevity (51:58).

13. Effects of Cannabis and Alcohol on Memory

Substance use and its impact on memory functions are examined.

• Cannabis:
  Dr. Yassa explains that THC affects memory by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors involved in long-term potentiation. He suggests that while marijuana can impair certain memory types, its effects vary and more research is needed (32:26).

• Alcohol:
  Alcohol's ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier quickly is discussed, highlighting its acute impact on brain function and memory (28:36).

14. The Vagus Nerve and Memory

The role of the vagus nerve in memory modulation is explored.

• Connection with Hormones:
  Dr. Yassa states, "The vagus nerve... carries messages between your heart and your brain and your gut," explaining its influence on memory through hormonal pathways (31:07).

• Therapeutic Potential:
  He mentions ongoing research into vagal stimulation as a therapeutic avenue for enhancing memory and cognitive functions (31:07).

15. Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Yassa shares personal insights into the challenges and rewards of his research career, emphasizing the communal nature of modern scientific endeavors. Alie Ward encourages listeners to engage with the podcast community and participate in future discussions.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Michael Yassa (03:32):
  "Developmental prosopagnosia... is more common than previously thought."

• Alie Ward (03:32):
  "It's like seeing a tree and trying to pick out that specific tree in a forest."

• Dr. Yassa (08:25):
  "Having an emotional connection strengthens the way that you store a memory."

• Dr. Yassa (14:27):
  "Photographic memory does not exist."

• Dr. Yassa (22:07):
  "Your sense of smell... has direct access to your hippocampus."

• Dr. Yassa (32:26):
  "Marijuana impacts memory by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors involved in long-term potentiation."

• Dr. Yassa (31:07):
  "The vagus nerve... carries messages between your heart and your brain and your gut."

Conclusion

This episode of Ologies with Alie Ward offers a comprehensive exploration of memory, addressing everything from the psychological aspects of face recognition to the biological underpinnings of diseases like Alzheimer's. Through engaging dialogue and expert insights from Dr. Michael Yassa, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how memory works, what affects its retention, and strategies to maintain cognitive health. Whether you're grappling with everyday memory challenges or seeking ways to protect your brain against age-related decline, this episode provides valuable knowledge and practical advice.

Links and References:

• Junior Scholars Fund: Support Dr. Michael Yassa’s Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory UC Irvine
• Ologies Merchandise: ologiesmerch.com
• Research Papers Mentioned:
  • What is the prevalence of developmental Prosopagnosia? An empirical assessment of different diagnostic cutoffs – General Cortex, 2023
  • Distance estimation in the goldfish – Proceedings of the Royal Society B
  • Visual Perception of photographs of rotated 3D objects in goldfish – Animals Journal
  • Retention and Incidental Learning of Visual and Auditory Material – Journal of Genetic Psychology, 1960s
  • Exercise and Dementia Prevention – Practical Neurology, 2023

Connect with Ologies:

• Website: alieward.com/mnemonology
• Instagram: @ologies
• Blue Sky: New platform for extended content
• Smologes: Kid-friendly episodes available on major podcast platforms

Credits: Special thanks to Dr. Michael Yassa, Erin Talbert, Noelle Dilworth, Kelly R. Dwyer, Mercedes Maitland, Jarrett Sleeper, Nick Thorburn, and the entire Ologies team for their dedication and support.

Remember to take care of your brain by staying active, socially engaged, and emotionally connected. Until next time, keep making memories!

<span id="timestamp"></span>