Unraveling Memory Loss: How the Brain Erases Its Own Memories

Our brain is an amazing organ that faces a constant flow of information daily, but sometimes it begins to “erase” memories for a number of reasons. In the introduction, it is important to understand that both external and internal factors can influence the retention of information in our neural networks.

The main section highlights several key aspects: first, a lack of proper rest can significantly impair brain function. Insufficient sleep and relaxation slow down information processing, which results in important memories not being properly consolidated and eventually fading. Second, the brain is capable of experiencing spontaneous functional failures without any visible mechanical or physical damage. These irregular fluctuations in bodily functions can disrupt the usual patterns of sensory processing and memory, leading to the loss of some data. In addition, external influences, such as injuries or infectious processes, can destroy neural connections that are crucial for storing memories. Finally, the dynamic nature of molecular processes in nerve cells adds another layer of complexity: the constant turnover of molecules within these cells may reduce the longevity of the "engraved" emotions and moments of our lives.

In conclusion, it can be noted that a complex combination of factors affects the process of memory erasure—from disrupted rest patterns to spontaneous functional failures and external damage to the brain. Understanding these interconnections allows us to appreciate the importance of taking care of our health, maintaining quality sleep, and avoiding unnecessary stressful situations to preserve the integrity of our memory.

Question: What are the possible reasons the brain might “erase” memories?
The answer to your question can be formulated as follows. The brain may “erase” memories for various reasons, related both to internal disruptions in its functioning and to external influences.

Firstly, the disruption of a proper rest regime is a significant factor. As noted in one source, “The brain, which processes vast amounts of information, requires regular and high-quality rest. Without it, the brain begins to ‘fail’ as early as the second to third day, becoming unable to assess and process everything that is dumped onto it. The genuine sense of reality is lost, the need for rest diminishes, and some memories and feelings begin to atrophy…” (source: link ). A lack of rest can lead to the brain being unable to properly consolidate and store information, which manifests as memory loss.

Secondly, there are cases where such disruptions occur spontaneously, that is, for unknown or unidentified reasons. One source states, “The same or at least similar disturbances may occur on their own, i.e., due to reasons unknown to us. The individual animistic essence, losing the ability to control its own actions if its sensory apparatus serves it poorly or deceives it, begins to judge falsely, loses its sanity, and hallucinates as if in a dream…” (source: link ). This suggests that the brain is capable of functional disruptions without obvious external damage or trauma, which can also contribute to memory loss.

Furthermore, external factors such as traumatic or infectious impacts can lead to the disruption of neural connections necessary for storing information. This is stated in the following excerpt: “Regardless of destruction or damage, the brain may temporarily lose its ability to remember due to a traumatic or infectious impact. This can lead to the rupture of neural connections and, consequently, to memory loss…” (source: link ) and is further explained: “Here, a theoretical explanation is offered regarding the possibility of changes in the brain’s structure, including damage and impacts of a traumatic or infectious nature…” (source: link ). Such damage can directly affect the brain's ability to store and process memories.

Finally, it is worth noting that problems with memory retention can also be connected to the dynamic nature of molecular processes in brain cells. As noted, “The theories explaining memory retention through molecular changes in nerve cells do not satisfy us. Despite the fact that nerve cells are not replaced but only die, there is an exchange and turnover of molecules in them, which calls into question the possibility of fixing traces of all mental acts.” (source: link ). In other words, the constant change in the molecular composition of nerve cells may reduce the stability of “engraved” memories and contribute to their loss.

Thus, the possible causes of memory “erasure” include inadequate quality of rest, spontaneous functional disruptions, traumatic or infectious brain damage, as well as the peculiarities of molecular mechanisms in memory storage.

Supporting citation(s):
"“The brain, which processes vast amounts of information, requires regular and high-quality rest. Without it, the brain begins to ‘fail’ as early as the second to third day... atrophy of some memories and feelings…” (source: link )
"“The same or at least similar disturbances may occur on their own, i.e., due to reasons unknown to us. The individual animistic essence... loses its sanity, hallucinates as if in a dream…” (source: link )
"“Regardless of destruction or damage, the brain may temporarily lose its ability to remember due to a traumatic or infectious impact. This can lead to the rupture of neural connections and memory loss…” (source: link )
"“The theories explaining memory retention through molecular changes in nerve cells do not satisfy us... which calls into question the possibility of fixing traces of all mental acts.” (source: link )