Understanding Memory Layers

Memories are not formed instantaneously; rather, they are processed through several layers: short-term memory, working memory, and long-term memory.

Short-term memories last from mere seconds to a couple of minutes. For instance, when attempting to memorize a list of words, those words reside in short-term memory. In contrast, long-term memories can endure for a lifetime, but their formation occurs within minutes to hours.

After an event is categorized as a long-term memory, the brain is reluctant to release it. Currently, we lack the ability to selectively erase specific memories. Hence, the best opportunity to prevent a traumatic memory from embedding itself in the brain is to intervene shortly after the incident occurs.

Intervention Strategies

How can we disrupt the formation of a developing memory or lessen the impact of an already-formed one? Engaging in alternative activities is one approach.

Various substances and activities can affect memory formation. Some enhance memory retention, while others inhibit it.

Drugs like propranolol, hydrocortisone, and ketamine have shown potential in minimizing PTSD risk, though results are inconsistent. Most researchers focus on therapeutic interventions that typically begin weeks post-event, with varying success rates.

One innovative pilot study involved car-crash victims engaging in mentally demanding visuospatial tasks in the emergency room immediately after their accidents.

The study utilized Tetris, a game that requires players to concentrate on matching shapes. This engagement diverts attention away from the traumatic memories, as the brain's visuospatial cortex focuses on the game instead.

Participants reported fewer intrusive memories of the accident during follow-ups, with the frequency of these memories declining more swiftly compared to those in a control group.

Expanding the Therapy

Given the positive feedback and the simplicity of this approach, researchers are exploring the potential of using Tetris to assist healthcare workers experiencing trauma from long shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, while the findings are promising, caution is warranted before broadly applying these results to all trauma cases. The pilot study involved only 71 participants, and while the outcomes were encouraging, they did not completely eliminate PTSD. The significance of these findings diminished over time, suggesting that not all traumatic events are equally impactful.

Moreover, preventing memory formation might not always be beneficial. For example, if someone witnesses a traumatic incident, they may later need to provide testimony in court.

Limitations and Future Considerations

This initial research primarily targeted visual memories—such as the sights associated with a car crash. However, other sensory components, like sounds or smells, may still form memories that this intervention cannot address.

Fortunately, unlike drug interventions, playing Tetris or similar visually engaging games is unlikely to cause significant harm. Many participants enjoyed the distraction it provided during their hospital visits.

The principle of "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" could soon apply to PTSD. By intervening and minimizing the formation of traumatic memories, it may become easier for individuals to recover from distressing experiences without facing persistent flashbacks.

Engaging in a mentally demanding task can potentially hinder the brain's ability to create robust long-term memories. In this case, Tetris captures the attention of the area responsible for visual memory formation, redirecting its focus.

While this approach appears most effective shortly after an incident and does not entirely prevent memory formation or PTSD, it shows promise as a straightforward, implementable solution.

Now we just need to ensure that every emergency room is equipped with gaming stations for those in need!

Thanks for reading. Next, discover why public health might involve spraying bacteria in public spaces to enhance community well-being.