Hyperthymesia (hyperthymestic syndrome)

Definition

What is Hyperthymesia (hyperthymestic syndrome)?

Hyperthymesia is a word derived from Greek work hyperthymesis meaning excessive remembering. Hyperthymesia is unusual mental state or unique neurological condition in which person memorizes vast number of life experiences that happened in past. They even remember a small event happened in their life that a normal person can not memorize it. They have deep kind of memory as compared to a person having normal memory. This is often referred to as highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM).

How common is Hyperthymesia (hyperthymestic syndrome)?

Please discuss with your doctor for further information.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Hyperthymesia (hyperthymestic syndrome)?

People with hyperthymesia are just like normal persons with only difference that they can recall even a minor events happened in their life as compared to person with normal memory. Some major sign and symptoms through which we may able to distinguish such persons are deep semantic memory, exceptional episodic memory, ability to recall minor events, exceptional capacity of memorizing, high reasoning capacity etc.

Traditional way to analyze or evaluate these symptoms in a person is just asking questions about minor events that happened in his or her life. But clinically it is necessary to perform motor function tests to make it sure.

There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.

Causes

What causes Hyperthymesia (hyperthymestic syndrome)?

At the moment, we do not have enough clinical data to find out exact mechanism that triggers hyperthymesia. However, various studies and laboratory findings reveals that person having hyperthymesia have enlarged temporal lobe and caudate nucleus. Temporal lobe is important part of brain because it contains various components that are regulating process of semantic memory and episodic memory.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Hyperthymesia (hyperthymestic syndrome)?

Please discuss with your doctor for further information.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How is Hyperthymesia (hyperthymestic syndrome) diagnosed?

Scientists use brain imaging tests such as MRIs and electroencephalograms to diagnose and study memory in people with Hyperthymesia.

Tests are also done to help measure memory. One of the most common is the autobiographical memory test. In this cued recall test, participants receive positive and negative cue words to prompt a memory. When a memory comes to mind, specific emotional and contextual details are written down, counted, and scored.

Another version of this test skips providing cues. Participants receive minimal instructions. As with the cue-recalled test, details are written down, counted, and scored.

If you are diagnosed with Hyperthymesia, your doctor will work with you to develop a management plan.

Although Hyperthymesia doesn’t carry any physical side effects or complications, it can be mentally exhausting to absorb and store so much information. Your doctor can advise you on coping mechanisms and answer any questions you may have.

How is Hyperthymesia (hyperthymestic syndrome) treated?

Hyperthymesia is neither pathological condition nor it is intense clinical emergency condition that requires prompt intervention. Though, It is some kind of functional deviation from normal process but becoming a person that have super memory is not undesirable. Clinically, person having hyperthymesia have no complaints regarding his or her mental activity so, no intervention is required unless patient feels some kind of functional or structural disturbance in cerebral region.

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage Hyperthymesia (hyperthymestic syndrome)?

Hyperthymesia can not be achieved through medical assistance or by doing something. But there are things you can do to improve your memory, such as:

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.