Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Ian McDonough, Associate Professor of Psychology, Binghamton University, State University of New York

Why does your brain mix up memories? A new study examines how memories are misplaced in your brain’s filing cabinets

Older people may confuse memories rather than forgetting them altogether. LWA/Stone via Getty Images

Old age and forgetfulness seem to go hand in hand. But my colleagues and I found that memories actually becomes less precise, not entirely forgotten. Our study, published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, shows how the brain blends related experiences as you age rather than replaying the exact one you need.

Memory is a complicated process. Even when everything’s working as it should, the way people remember specific events has many parts.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.