How Forgetting Enhances Our Memory Efficiency

Forgetting is part of our daily life. Who hasn't had the frustrating experience of walking into a room and not remembering why? However, forgetting is not always a sign of memory weakness. Recent studies show that forgetting could play a fundamental role in cognitive efficiency and information management. Let's see how and why forgetting contributes to improving our memory capacity.

Key discoveries about forgetting

One of the first significant works on forgetting dates back to the 19th century, thanks to the German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus. His famous “forgetting curve” revealed that most memories decline rapidly after they are formed before stabilizing.

This discovery, replicated by neuroscientists more recently, highlights a natural mechanism for filtering non-essential information.

This process is beneficial for several reasons. Our brain is continually challenged by a multitude of data. Without forgetting, it would be difficult to preserve only relevant information. Thus, forgetting acts as an effective sorting, avoiding cognitive overload.

How forgetting optimizes mental storage

Neurobiologist Eric Kandel, Nobel Prize winner, demonstrated according to ScienceAlert that the formation of memories relies on the strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons.

When we pay attention to something, these connections become stronger, and the memory becomes lasting. Forgetting, conversely, occurs when these connections weaken. This mechanism allows the brain to remove unnecessary details and focus on what is essential.

By forgetting non-priority information, the brain allocates resources to retain the most useful memories. This selection capacity is crucial for good cognitive functioning and adaptation to new situations.

Forgetting and coping mechanisms

Forgetting also allows our brains to adapt to changes. A striking example is the flexibility needed to modify existing memories.

Imagine a daily trip you make by car. The route is ingrained in your memory through repetition. However, if a temporary detour presents itself, your brain must weaken certain memory links to integrate the new route. This ability to update memories is essential, because excessive memory rigidity can lead to negative consequences, such as in the case of post-traumatic stress (PTSD).

Additionally, from an evolutionary perspective, forgetting obsolete memories in response to new information was crucial for the survival of our ancestors. If a once-safe place suddenly became dangerous, the ability to refresh that memory helped avoid risky behavior.

Experiments on activating memories

Some rodent studies have revealed interesting mechanisms related to memory. Researchers have demonstrated that even “forgotten” memories can be reactivated by artificially stimulating neuronal connections.

Using optogenetic stimulation, which combines light and genetic engineering, they succeeded in reviving a fear memory in rodents by activating specific neurons.

These experiences indicate that forgetting can sometimes mean that memories are not lost, but only temporarily inaccessible. This can explain the “tip of the tongue” phenomenon, where information seems close but cannot be immediately recalled. As we age, memory connections can weaken, increasing the frequency of this phenomenon.

Forgetting is far from being a simple imperfection of memory. It is a sophisticated mechanism that allows our brain to filter, update and prioritize information. Although memory-related problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, have negative consequences, forgetting is essential for healthy memory functioning and cognitive adaptability.