Memory development

The development of memory is a lifelong process that continues through adulthood. Development etymologically refers to a progressive unfolding. Memory development tends to focus on periods of infancy, toddlers, children, and adolescents, yet the developmental progression of memory in adults and older adults is also circumscribed under the umbrella of memory development.

The development of memory in children becomes evident within the first 3 years of a child's life as they show considerable advances in declarative memory, a child's memory throughout their development.[1] This enhancement continues into adolescence with major developments in short term memory, working memory, long term memory and autobiographical memory.[2]

The development of memory in adults, especially older adults, is often seen more negatively. Most adults will face symptoms of memory loss in both their short- and long-term memory; Alzheimer's is a prime example of this.[3]

Recent research on the development of memory has indicated that declarative, or explicit memory, may exist in infants who are even younger than two years old. For example, newborns who are less than 3 days old demonstrate a preference for their mother's own voice, demonstrating the significance of a strong and powerful connection to the mother.[4]

  1. ^ Learning & memory. Byrne, John H. (2nd ed.). New York: Macmillan Reference USA. 2003. ISBN 0-02-865619-9. OCLC 49977789.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. ^ Siegler, R. S. (1998). Children's Thinking (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-0-13-397910-7.[page needed]
  3. ^ Jørgensen, Isabella Friis; Aguayo‐Orozco, Alejandro; Lademann, Mette; Brunak, Søren (2020-04-27). "Age‐stratified longitudinal study of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia patients". Alzheimer's & Dementia. 16 (6): 908–917. doi:10.1002/alz.12091. ISSN 1552-5260. PMC 7383608. PMID 32342671.
  4. ^ DeCasper, A.; Fifer, W. (1980). "Of human bonding: newborns prefer their mothers' voices". Science. 208 (4448): 1174–6. Bibcode:1980Sci...208.1174D. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.553.1738. doi:10.1126/science.7375928. PMID 7375928.