Is Photographic Memory Genetic?

Photographic memory is a rare and mysterious cognitive ability that allows people to remember images and objects in detail. It’s a rare phenomenon in which someone can retain an enormous quantity of information, whether it be images, sounds, or words. Photographic memory was first documented by a Harvard vision scientist named Charles Stromeyer III in early 1970 about a student named Elizabeth. Some believe that photographic memory is a real phenomenon, while others believe it’s just an exaggeration or myth. Another school of thought is that photographic memory could be genetic, where having a few gene changes may help retain information better. This article explores whether there is such a thing as photographic memory and the genetic landscape of it.

How Does Memory Work?

Why do we remember some things more distinctly than others? And why do some memories fade?

Answering these questions requires us to look into how memories are formed in the first place.

Our daily experiences are converted into pulses of energy that travel along the neuron network and form short-term memories first.

These are available for a few seconds or a few minutes.

They then get converted into long-term memories through certain brain areas like the hippocampus.

Finally, they reach the storage regions present in the brain.

With the help of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, neurons communicate with each other in regions called synapses.

Continuous communication between two neurons increases efficiency, a process described as long-term potentiation.

This phenomenon helps store long-term memory.

Infographic showing short term vs long term memory — Image: The differences between short-term and long-term memories (Adapted from an article on harvard.edu)

Is Photographic Memory Genetic?

While ongoing research indicates that some may be genetically "blessed" with greater memory and recall powers, there's no concrete evidence that suggests photographic memory is genetic.

The common impression of photographic memory is that some people can take a mental snapshot of whatever is in front of them and retrieve it from memory, zooming in and out of various parts.

However, the true existence of photographic memory has not been proven till now.

What people mostly refer to as photographic memory is, in fact, eidetic memory.

Eidetic memory is “the ability to recall an image from memory with high precision for a brief period after seeing it only once, and without using a mnemonic device.”

This memory lasts less than one second for most people and a few seconds for others.

What Do Studies Say About Genetics Of Photographic Memory?

Genetic Influences On Memory

Dopamine Receptor Genes: Research indicates that variations in dopamine receptor genes play a significant role in episodic memory, which is the ability to recall specific events from one’s past. Individuals with certain genetic changes in these receptors may exhibit stronger recall abilities than others. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is crucial for learning and memory processes.
CREB Protein: A study identified over 750 genes that influence long-term memory, particularly through their interaction with a molecule known as CREB (cAMP-response element-binding protein). CREB is essential for forming long-term memories across various species, including humans. The presence of specific genes that activate CREB may enhance memory capabilities, suggesting a genetic component to how memories are stored and recalled.
Twin Studies: A twin study explored the genetic architecture of episodic memory and found substantial genetic variance in memory performance. This study indicated that specific genetic influences could account for differences in memory capabilities among individuals, highlighting the complexity of genetic contributions to memory.

*Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked with learning and memory
Episodic memory is the ability to recall and mentally re-experience specific episodes from one's past.

The Rarity Of Photographic Memory

Despite these findings, true photographic memory is extremely rare and not fully understood.

Most cases of exceptional memory, such as those seen in individuals with hyperthymesia (highly superior autobiographical memory), do not necessarily equate to photographic memory.

For instance, Jill Price, known for her remarkable memory, can recall detailed personal experiences but does not possess photographic memory in the traditional sense.

Memories also depend on other lifestyle and environmental factors like diet and educational attainment.

Why Do Some Memories Get Lost?

As we age, the synapses become weak, making it difficult to retrieve information.

According to studies, the hippocampus loses 5% of its neurons every decade after age 40, resulting in a 20% loss by 80 years.

There may also be a loss of neurotransmitters.

Other mental and physical health conditions associated with aging can also be why memories get lost.

Chronic stress is another major contributor to memory issues.

The body releases a surge of hormones, enabling us to wave through stressful situations.

However, chronic stress continually exposes the body to this flood of hormones.

This may result in the loss of brain cells and block the formation of new ones, making it difficult to retain information.

Depression is another condition associated with memory problems.

The low levels of serotonin seen in individuals with depression can make it difficult for a person to pay attention to new information.

People with depression may be 40% more likely to develop memory and cognition-associated problems.

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Summary

Photographic memory is a rare cognitive ability that allows people to remember and recall images and objects in detail.
Memories from when our daily experiences are turned into energy pulses that reach the brain and travel to different regions through the neural network.
Memories get lost due to age, stress, and conditions like depression.
While there have been many reports of people with great memory and recall powers, there's no solid scientific evidence behind photographic memory.
Many genes associated with neurotransmitter levels and CREB molecules that influence memory and learning influence how well we can remember and recall information.