Memory and the Human Lifespan

By: Steve Joordens, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Steve Joordens

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

What if your memory suddenly vanished, so that you could no longer summon recollections of anything at all? What if you couldn't even remember yourself - not your name, your school, where you worked, or even the face of the total stranger staring back at you from the mirror?

If all of your memories were gone, would "self" even have a meaning? The truth is that while you may think of human memory as a capacity - a way to call up important facts or episodes from your past - it is much, much more, a collection of systems that provide the continuity of consciousness that allows the concept of "you" to make sense, creating the ongoing narrative that makes your life truly yours. This intriguing series of 24 lectures by an honored researcher and teacher explains not only how the various aspects of your memory operate, but the impact memory has on your daily experience of life.

By understanding how the brain organizes and encodes information, you can better harness its extraordinary powers to fine-tune how it works for you and use this information to help reshape your very experience of being alive.

The lectures explore topics like: the different kinds of systems that make memory possible; how those systems work together to build and access memories of specific events, solve problems, learn basic tasks like brushing your teeth, or acquire the skills to play a musical instrument; the kinds of memory deficits that result when various parts of the brain are damaged or deteriorate; how memory shapes not only your experience of the past but also of the present, as well as your expectations of the future; and how your memory systems develop throughout your life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2011 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2011 The Great Courses

Engaging and interesting

Since I have a person with Alzheimer's in my family, I am interested in all resources that have to do with memory. The course had me engaged from the first chapter with real life examples , exercises and facts. I love the great courses, but I tend to take my time listening to them, however, this course I finished in 2 days. I actually plan on listening to this again soon.

Loved it!!!!

It is just the Best course ever! I will be listening to it again and again!

I am a TBI Survivor w/new insight of who/how I am

I gained so much insight on my life through this book. See, I suffered a TBI a few years back. A side effect after a TBI is that you now have several doctors that assist you through recovery. I never quite understood the explanation from my doctors about exactly why my brain works the way it does, post TBI.

After going through this book over and over and over. I was able see and understand the full picture of how, why, and who I am today.

Informative and inciteful. DEFINITELY worth your time!

Steve Joordens' "Memory and the Human Life Span" is one of my favorite lecture series to date. Nothing he says is particularly mind-blowing, but the overall content and presentation is very engaging. It's also great because you can both listen to it casually (while doing something else) or intently and still take something worthwhile away with you.

Amazing!

I strongly recommend this book! I enjoyed every chapter and I was able to understand and learn more about memory and how to help myself.

Very in depth course!

I found the information useful on a professional level and on a personal level. I think it is helpful to have some background knowledge on cognition or at least interest for the subject.

Finally, Understanding.

Excellent source for how it all comes together inside the brain. It's great to understand how the mind and the brain are one. I feel as if a lifelong mystery has been revealed.

Amazing

Amazing! this was very informative. I learned so much, throughout this audio book, thank you

Loved it

Very well told. Lots of complex things told in a crisp and easier way.
Would love to read more from this author.

Forget about the excuses and listen to this series

Unforgettable content!
Have you ever wondered why some people remember things that you struggle with? Are you frustrated because you can't recall a name or part of a story? Have you ever come home from the store, set down the grocery bags & thought of something you forgot to buy?
If so, Listen To These Lectures!
Each lecture is about 30 minutes, contains memorable tips/tricks & info, and is always humorous or entertaining.
The language is not over the top, and there is an accompanying pdf with vocabulary for support if needed (which I never required... if you do not struggle to read this review, you will not struggle with these lectures).
Not only does the author cover the how/why of "memory", but he also provides you with everything possible to improve your memory, reduce your risks for dementia and even goes in depth on understanding Alzheimers.
The short time investment I made in listening to this course has provided me with tools I'll always be able to use & kept me interested & smiling the whole time.