A neuropsychological analysis of memory and amnesia

Abstract

Drawing on neuropsychological studies of amnesic patients, cognitive studies of normal individuals, and functional neuroimaging research, this article reviews recent developments in our understanding of the cognitive and neural bases of various forms of memory. This knowledge provides a foundation for a discussion of the clinical analysis of memory disorders. Different etiologies of selective memory impairment commonly seen in neurological practice are reviewed, followed by an overview of the clinical evaluation of memory disorders. In the evaluation of memory deficits, emphasis is placed on the identification of specific processing deficits that can be linked to underlying neuropathology.