Remedy in replacement

Contrary to long-standing notions in neuroscience research, recent studies suggest neuron growth in the hippocampus (think: memories) may degrade previously learned information; where once researchers believed neuron proliferation resulted in stronger memory formation overall, current research suggests displacement of old memories by new ones is possible.

So – what? What does this mean for our individual long-standing notions? The moments in time that comprise your emotional and intellectual person – are they safe from revision, or worse, replacement?

The complete answer is complex, though can be distilled to an appeasing ‘Yes’. Due to neural patterning, significant memories – frequently those that define important events or periods of time in one’s life – are maintained in repetition; the more often we conjure a past experience, the more resilient the memorial neural pathway.

Conversely, over time, lesser memories, or those which we suppress, can be restructured and ultimately rewritten.

Empowering, no? Neural persistence (or the lack thereof) acts as an autonomous, ever-functioning mode of self-improvement. Simply, we can change. We can improve, over time.

One (or billions) of micro efforts at a time(s).