

Stefan Köhler: Scientists have learned a lot about human memory from systematically studying individuals with memory disorders. Köhler spoke about memory and the brain at a London Public Library talk. Köhler and other researchers learn how memory is processed in the brain, and what happens when this is impacted by a brain injury or neurological disease.Įarlier this year, Dr. Examining patients with amnesia has helped Dr.

Some of the features of amnesia captured in these movies reflect what scientists have learned about this condition over the past several decades.Īmnesia is memory loss caused by damage to areas of the brain that are essential for memory processing. When you think of amnesia, you may think of Hollywood movies including 50 First Dates, The Bourne Identity, or Memento. His work has also led him to examine brain injuries or other neurological diseases that can cause amnesia. His research focuses on how the brain forms, stores, and recovers memories. Stefan Köhler is the Chair of Cognitive, Developmental and Brain Sciences in the Department of Psychology at Western University who studies human memory and its disorders. These are rare forms of memory loss that can greatly impact those who experience them, and alter their sense of who they are and how they live their lives.ĭr. Imagine suffering a traumatic brain injury that erases all memories of your personal past, or your ability to create new memories of your future. Amnesia and memory processing: Q&A with Dr.
