Unravelling the Enigma of Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Perspectives: A Narrative Review
Correspondence Address :
Dr. Rohit Wani,
Undergraduate Student, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha-442107, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: rohitwani72@gmail.com
Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) is an extremely rare phenomenon characterised by an exceptional ability to recall personal life events vividly. The present review article explores the unique characteristics of HSAM that distinguish it from other memory phenomena, such as mnemonics. Currently listed on the global diagnosis list up to 2024, with only 62 documented cases, HSAM presents a fascinating cognitive and neurological complexity, including increased functional connectivity within some brain regions, particularly the left temporoparietal junction. Typically, individuals with HSAM exhibit very vivid recollections of both significant and mundane events, which they cannot control or intentionally suppress. The article also reviews some possible psychological and biological substrates of HSAM; among these, semantic processing and atypical neurodevelopment are of particular importance. The overlap between HSAM and conditions such as autism is also discussed, as they might share features such as compulsive fixations on dates and an inability to “get over” bad memories. While the mechanism by which certain treatments become effective for HSAM is poorly understood, the use of interventions such as deep brain stimulation or cognitive-behavioural therapy may be warranted. This review calls for more research, hoping to stimulate interest in therapeutic interventions designed for patients with HSAM, ultimately leading to a greater understanding of this intriguing cognitive phenomenon.
Cognitive neuroscience, Hyperthymesia, Memory disorders, Memory recall, Neuropsychology, Synesthesia
DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2025/74525.20504
Date of Submission: Jul 26, 2024
Date of Peer Review: Oct 24, 2024
Date of Acceptance: Nov 04, 2024
Date of Publishing: Jan 01, 2025
AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? No
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. NA
PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS:
• Plagiarism X-checker: Jul 27, 2024
• Manual Googling: Oct 26, 2024
• iThenticate Software: Nov 02, 2024 (11%)
ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin
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