Revamping How We Think About Memory
Psychology Today
by Barbara Blatchley Ph.D.February 23, 2026
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Revamping How We Think About Memory
Recent advancements in memory research challenge long-held assumptions about how we process different types of memory. Traditionally, the Atkinson-Shiffrin model proposed a three-stage system: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). LTM was further divided into declarative and non-declarative types, each with distinct neural pathways. However, new research suggests that these modules are not entirely independent but instead overlap in their activation. For instance, a single event can simultaneously engage both procedural (non-declarative) and factual (declarative) memory systems, as seen when observing someone ride a unicycle—where balancing techniques might engage non-declarative memories while personal associations with bicycles activate declarative ones.
The Multiple Memory Systems (MMS) theory was once widely accepted, positing separate neural modules for different memory types. However, recent fMRI studies by Tibon et al. reveal that these systems are more interconnected than previously thought. This overlap implies a more dynamic and integrated memory processing network in the brain. For example, recalling a past event (episodic memory) might also activate semantic memories related to the objects involved. Understanding this complexity could enhance treatments for conditions like PTSD or anxiety disorders by targeting how overlapping memory systems influence emotional recall.
This shift in understanding memory's neural basis has significant implications for mental health. If different memory types are not entirely separate but instead interwoven, it could improve therapeutic approaches aimed at modifying negative memories. By recognizing the interconnectedness of memory modules, researchers might develop more effective strategies to reframe or suppress distressing recollections. This breakthrough not only deepens our knowledge of cognition but also opens new avenues for addressing mental health challenges tied to memory processing.
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/23/2026