Memory is defined as the ability to recall facts or data. Indeed, there are several types of memory, but the main classification divides it into two types:
- Short-term memory: also called working or working memory. It is the one that allows us to keep in our mind for a few seconds or minutes information that we are going to use for some purpose but that we do not always need to store. An example would be a number that is thought in an addition or a multiplication or a telephone number that is written down at the moment.
- Long-term memory: it is the one in which memories, thoughts, sensations are stored, which are later recalled voluntarily or not, searching it, as if it were a warehouse.
In addition, information from short-term memory can be transferred to long-term memory if desired or if it is kept long enough. This is where the concept of attention comes in: the relationship between attention and memory is fundamental and there are specialists who even say that they are almost the same thing.
When does a child begin to have memory?
Memory is acquired from birth, probably not as it is generally understood. One does not actually remember when he/she was born, but a newborn remembers the faces of the people he/she sees. Even unconsciously, at that age, memory is used to establish relationships.
When is a child considered to have memory problems?
It is extremely rare to find memory problems in children, unless they have suffered an accident that has shocked their nervous system or have undergone very disturbing experiences whose memory blocks their own brain.
In children there are problems with attention that affect memory: if there is no attention in quality, quantity and duration, there will be no information to remember because it will not be stored. This is the symptom to look for.
To detect attention problems, it is necessary to evaluate the related mental processes, as well as the main accompanying symptoms, such as hyperactivity or impulsivity. In the best pediatric neurology centers, new technologies have been incorporated that allow the use of virtual reality and 3D glasses to evaluate these situations.
On most occasions, the problem is inherited, that is, it has a clearly genetic basis. There are also other factors in pregnancy that may favor these difficulties:
- – Prematurity
- – Low birth weight
- – Alcohol or tobacco use during pregnancy
Depending on the characteristics of the difficulties detected in the tests, the use of pharmacological treatment or cognitive stimulation programs to enhance attention and memory may be recommended. In most cases, the best results are achieved with a combination of both strategies.