Hyperthymesia- the disorder you might want to have

Hyperthymesia- the disorder you might want to have

Definition

Hyperthymesia is a condition in which an individual possesses a superior autobiographical memory, meaning s/he can recall the vast majority of personal experiences and events in his or her life. The term hyperthymesia is derived from the two Greek words; hyper meaning “excessive” and thymesis meaning

“remembering”. Hyperthymesia is also known as highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM). It is a condition that leads to an individual to be able to remember their life experiences as well as public events that hold some personal significance to themto an abnormal amount with great details. These details can include exact dates and detailed information about previous experiences. Current research suggests that the ability is limited to autobiographical memory. This limitation means that people can only recall information about themselves and their past personal experiences.

What causes hyperthymesia?

As there are very few people with hyperthymesia, there is lack of research to determine its cause. There are some theories that claim to be the cause of hyperthymesia but the exact cause remains unknown. Some research suggest that the cause of hyperthymesia may be biological, psychological or, genetic. However, more studies are necessary to know the exact cause.

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Biological: Scientists have found a different physical activity in the brain of the people having hyperthymesia. They noticed that people with HSAM had additional wiring in the frontal lobes and hippocampus, two areas of the brain linked to autobiographical memory. It was perfectly possible that this was the result of their skills, and not the cause. However, they could not conclude that the extra brain matter was the cause of the condition.

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Psychological: Another theory suggests that hyperthymesia develops because of thought patterns and behavior. Researchers found that HSAM individuals were more prone to imagination and being obsessed over the past. Each time an original memory is recalled, it becomes stronger. Many of us do this with important memories, such as a wedding day or special

birthday, but HSAM people do it all day, every day. Some scientists believe that this behavior may be what helps them preserve memories in detail.

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Genetic: Some theory even suggests that it could be genetic, however research is still going on.

Can we develop hyperthymesia?

Hyperthymesia haven’t been researched properly yet. Many facts about it is still unknown and the cause for it as well. So for now, it’s difficult to say if we can develop hyperthymesia or not. Having a good memory is also the basic foundation for hyperthymesia so here are few things to be considered for having a good memory. Memory, like a muscular strength, requires you to use it. The more you work out your brain, the better you will be able to process and remember information. To have a strong memory, you also need to do the physical activities.

Physical exercises help our brain to stay sharp. It increases oxygen in the brain and reduces the risk for disorder. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule also helps our brain to work actively. Cut out on junk foods and focus on brain boosting foods diet like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, “healthy fats”(olive oil, fish). Having a control over your stress also helps the brain to act fresh and active. Mediation is a very primary element for having a good memory.

How common is hyperthymesia?

The cause of hyperthymesia is still unknown however research is going on.

Hyperthymesia is the rarest, if not, one of the rarest, ability found in a human.

There are only 61 people worldwide who have been identified as having hyperthymesia, one of which is actress Marilu Henner, best known for her work on the show Taxi.

Pros of hyperthymesia

Having the ability to remember all the past experiences with extreme details helps us to live a better life in the present. It prevents the person from repeating the same past mistakes again and again. It allows the person to relive the most

transforming and beautiful experiences. The person can have a vast knowledge of majority sectors. The person can absorb a vast body of knowledge. The person with HSAM will get to understand oneself better with all the memories which eventually boost their confidence.

Cons of hyperthymesia

There is an old proverb that too much of anything – even something good for you – can actually be detrimental. The memory of people having hyperthymesia is self- centered i.e. they can recall almost every detail about their past life. But they are no better than ordinary in remembering the impersonal information such as random lists of words, numbers. Also, they might remember the details from the date of 7-8 years earlier but don’t remember what happened five minutes earlier.

Also, the people with HSAM suffer from “false memories”. They unknowingly create their own false world of past to explain to the people in present. For instance, they can be primed to remember the world events that actually never occurred. AJ, one of the person with HSAM explains that although "most have called it a gift", she calls it a "burden". The people subconsciously remember all the details even if they don’t want so they always have to live with the dark phases that happened in their life earlier. The embarrassing moments come again with the raw, fresh memory. They can’t turn off the memories how hard they try.

References:

http://www.peoplewithpotential.org/hyperthymesia#:~:text=Hyperthymesia%2C%20also%20known%2 0as%20piking,in%20his%20or%20her%20life.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyperthymesia#definition https://blog.cognifit.com/hyperthymesia/

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-improve-your-

memory.htm#:~:text=Memory%2C%20like%20muscular%20strength%2C%20requires,and%20develop%

20new%20brain%20pathways.