Why We Can't Remember Memories Clearly Before the Age of 2
Have you ever wondered why you can't clearly remember events from the very earliest years of your life? Research and neuroscience have shed some light on this fascinating phenomenon.
Why Memories Are Difficult to Recall in Early Childhood
Before the age of 2, we don't form words. Instead, we receive data through our senses, such as sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. This data is jumbled and unsorted, making it difficult for the brain to file and store it for later recall.
When we are young, the brain is still in developmental stages, and it has not yet acquired the necessary tools to organize and label the sensory information. Without the ability to give names, events, and experiences do not have a clear and distinct identity in the brain's memory systems.
Retrieving Memories: A Matter of Identification
Think of it as if you were to enter someone's house and they had a valuable bag of gold hidden away. If you open their cupboard without knowing what you are looking for, you are likely to miss it if you don't know what it looks like or what it signifies. Similarly, when attempting to recall memories from early childhood, the brain may fail to identify the information because it lacks the labels and structure necessary for retrieval.
Interestingly, hypnosis can sometimes aid in the retrieval of such memories. During hypnosis, the brain is in a more suggestible state, and the individual may be prompted to remember an event, even if the brain's natural filing system is not yet fully developed. However, the success of such attempts is not guaranteed and can vary widely from person to person.
The Role of Brain Development
At around the ages of 3 or 5, the brain reaches a development peak, making it easier to remember events and experiences. This is because the brain has now acquired the necessary mechanisms to process and store information. However, a significant portion of early memories may still be forgotten or not clearly retained.
According to experts, only a certain percentage of events can be remembered, and these are often the ones that had a profound impact on the brain, such as traumatic or very positive experiences. The majority of everyday occurrences from early childhood may be lost to the depths of the subconscious, making them difficult to retrieve.
Personal Experiences of Early Memories
Some individuals do experience vivid memories from early childhood, as evidenced by personal anecdotes. For instance, I have clear memories from when I was around 2 years old. These memories are tied to specific events and sensory experiences, which I was aware of and have retained distinctively in my mind.
For example, I remember moving to a new home, not having cable, and watching TV programs like Seed of Chucky and Shark Tales all day. Blockbuster was a big part of our entertainment, much like Netflix is today. I also recall the music and music videos from that era, such as Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” Destiny’s Child’s “Soldier,” and other popular songs by artists like Akon and Missy Elliot.
When I ask my mom if she remembers similar events, she often laughs and says, “I can't believe you remember that! You were still in diapers. I still remember when she bought me a talking dog for my 2nd birthday and all the Chucky dolls were everywhere in the store.”
Conclusion
While not everyone has clear memories from the age of 2, it is a matter of brain development and the way our minds process and store information. As we grow older, our brains become better equipped to remember and retrieve these early memories, but not all experiences are equally remembered.