Some people can recall names, places and events in tremendous detail and make excellent eyewitnesses. Others cannot remember breakfast this morning and marvel at the wonderful memory of their counterparts. The ability to perform this perfect recall is the result of eidetic memory.

Eidetic Memory

The terms "eidetic memory" and "photographic memory" represent controversial elements among professionals, scientists and researchers. A photographic memory is so rare that a best estimate says only 10% of the current population may have this ability. This rarity is the reason why some tend to question its very existence. Most often, it is a child that possesses this level of recall. By the time they become adults, their ability to utilize a photographic memory is lost. Although photographic memory is a controversial concept, Mozart and Monet are two of the famous people said to have eidetic memory. Monks of the Middle Ages could store and use information because of the practice of mind enhancement rather than a photographic memory. This indicates that adults may exhibit the presence of eidetic memory, although it is likely they may be practicing some mind-enhancing exercises.

Testing for Eidetic Memory

It is possible to utilize some of the online tests for eidetic memory. A simple Google search for "eidetic memory tests" or "photographic memory tests" points to many places on the web where you can check the quality of your memory functions. The tests consist of words and/or pictures that appear onscreen for 30 seconds. The following screen presents multiple-choice identification where you select the answer that best describes the item shown to you. Another format shows an image that fades away after 30 seconds. The next screen asks for a detailed description of the image shown to you.

Memory Enhancement

The names of a number of people appear in the Guinness Book of Records based on proof that they were able to demonstrate abnormal memory ability. However, understand that this ability may be the result of using various memory techniques. Scientists and researchers studying people with Asperger syndrome note that these people demonstrate the presence of eidetic memory. A person with an eidetic memory stores information differently than most people. If you know for sure that you lack eidetic memory, enhancement of your memory is still possible. Mental exercises not only allow you to enhance memory function, but they also will keep your mind sharp and healthy.

Computer Memory

It is possible that the world wide web has eidetic or photographic memory. The search information that you input is subject to interpretation by the computer memory. All possible leads provide the searcher with links to relative information. The more that people rely on computers to identify, sort and present information, the less exercise the eidetic memory will get. Does this mean that the human brain will shrivel? It certainly is food for thought!

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Eidetic Memory

Photographic Memory

Memory Traits Can Be Expanded