memory

memory The ability to recollect information about past events or knowledge, and/or the process of doing so. Memory is often divided into short-term (also known as working, or recent, memory) and long-term memory: Short-term memory recovers memories of recent events, and long-term memory is concerned with the more distant past. Some medical disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, damage the cognitive systems that control memory. Usually, long-term memory is retained and short-term memory is lost; conversely, memories may become jumbled, leading to mistakes in recognizing people or places that should be familiar. See also memory, anterograde; memory, long-term; memory, shortterm.