Brain Science History

The study of the brain has been evolving for decades, and the rate of new studies and discoveries has been rapidly increasing. There has been more research studies performed in the past decade than in the prior fifty years, largely due to the amazing capability of brain imaging.

Here's a quick brain science history lesson:

1880s-1940s Study of Memory Begins

1885: Discovery of the rate of forgetfulness naturally occurs
1890: Existence of short-term ‘working’ memory
1894: Memories are formed by strengthening connections between existing neurons
1907: Alzheimer's Disease formally understood and named
1932: Recalled memory isn't a copy of the original event but a reconstruction based on key details
1934: Electrical Stimulation triggers a flood of memories

1950s-1990s Scientific Understanding Expands

26,000 Scientific Articles in 50 years
1950: Memory not stored in a single brain location
1956: Short term memory can store approx 7 items at a time
1957: Hippocampus crucial to forming new memories
1986: Folic Acid, positive attitude and complex language use may stave off dementia

2000s Brain Imaging exposes more information

26,000 Scientific Articles in 8 years
2002: ACTIVE study finds training memory skills improves functioning
2004: Former President Ronald Reagan dies after 10 year bout with Alzheimer's Disease
2005: Childhood emotional stress can impair adult memory ability
2006: A single brief memory is processed engages at least 3 parts of the brain
2007: IMPACT Study shows brain training for older adults can improve memory ability
2008: Middle aged people with excess belly fat have higher risk of dementia