Understand & Improve Memory Using Science-Based Tools
This episode I explain the mechanisms by which different types of memories are established in our brain and how to leverage the amount and timing of key neurochemicals and hormones, such as adrenaline (aka epinephrine) and cortisol, to improve your learning and memory abilities.
May 16, 2022
2 hr 7 min
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Episode 72 · May 16, 2022
Understand & Improve Memory Using Science-Based Tools
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Understand & Improve Memory Using Science-Based Tools
Summary
This episode I explain the mechanisms by which different types of memories are established in our brain and how to leverage the amount and timing of key neurochemicals and hormones, such as adrenaline (aka epinephrine) and cortisol, to improve your learning and memory abilities. I describe multiple science-based protocols to do this, including repetition, caffeine, emotional states, deliberate cold exposure, sleep, meditation, and the role of vision, including taking “mental snapshots.” I also describe how exercise and an associated hormone, osteocalcin, can improve cognitive ability and memory formation. I also describe unique aspects and forms of memory such as photographic memory, extreme facial recognition (aka super recognition), and the phenomenon known as déjà vu.
For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.
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Timestamps
(00:00:00) Memory, Improving Memory
(00:03:09) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT
(00:07:54) Sensory Stimuli, Nervous System & Encoding Memory
(00:11:12) Context & Memory Formation
(00:13:46) Tool: Repetition, Improving Learning & Memory
(00:17:11) Co-Activation and intensity Neuron Activation
(00:20:50) Different Types of Memory
(00:25:40) Memory Formation in the Brain, Hippocampus
(00:28:00) Hippocampus, Role in Memory & Learning, Explicit vs. Implicit Memory
(00:31:49) Emotion & Memory Enhancement
(00:36:44) Tool: Emotion Saliency & Improved Memory
(00:41:42) Conditioned-Placed Avoidance/Preference, Adrenaline
(00:47:14) Adrenaline & Cortisol
(00:49:35) Accelerating the Repetition Curve & Adrenaline
(00:53:03) Tool: Enhancing Learning & Memory - Caffeine, Alpha-GPC & Stimulant Timing
(01:00:50) Tool: Enhancing Learning & Memory - Sleep, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)
(01:04:48) Tool: Enhancing Learning & Memory - Deliberate Cold Exposure, Adrenaline
(01:08:42) Timing of Adrenaline Release & Memory Formation
(01:12:36) Chronically High Adrenaline & Cortisol, Impact on Learning & Memory
(01:15:12) Adrenaline Linked with Learning: Not a New Principle
(01:17:25) Amygdala, Adrenaline & Memory Formation, Generalization of Memories
(01:22:20) Tool: Cardiovascular Exercise & Neurogenesis
(01:27:00) Cardiovascular Exercise, Osteocalcin & Improved Hippocampal Function