Quote (Musikanc @ Tue, 23 Dec 2008, 15:55)
Didn't open the link the third one with incredible memory is probably autist. Autism affects behavior but often has for consequence a major improve in the part of the brain responsible for memory. Maybe I'm wrong too.
There are a LOT of reasons for differences in memory. My gradmother on my father's side remembered every day since 1912, and I only found out because of something she said on a postcard about something. This is very rare. I have a very strong memory, but it's not as strong as my grandmother's memory was. But in my own case, the memories aren't very strong until they are about 2-3 years old. I've heard that it happens because memories are "moved" after 2-3 years, and that it has to do with semantic & episodic memory. By contrast, I have a normal short-term memory and I don't think my procedural memory is especially strong--but I don't know how to test it. I also have an obsession with details when I'm learning things, and while a lot of details don't seem to be remembered at first, they show up much later. I definitely don't have autism.
Perhaps being obsessed with details is linked to stored memories that later "shift". It sounds like the woman in that article has a memory that's a lot like my grandmother's, but my grandmother remembered details more than feelings. She would be able to tell you every day it snowed since 1912. Whereas I can only recall a LOT of details from the past (my first date[ in grade 7]'s phone number and address, for example)--many more than average--and I also don't really associate strong feelings with the memories. It's interesting to see that the woman that Dr. Oz was talking about remembered things in temrs of her feelings, because declarative memories feed from that. I guess they also feed from a disposition toward details, but not as much.
As for the other cases in the article, I think they're interesting, too
