The Gift and Curse of a Superhuman Memory

A Memory That Never Fades

Around the world, there exists a rare group of individuals with an extraordinary ability: they can remember every second of every day of their lives in vivid detail. While this may sound like an incredible gift, not all of them are happy with it.

For most people, memory functions like a scrapbook filled with blurry snapshots of past experiences and emotions. Even for those who hold on to the past, the most touching moments may eventually fade with time. However, for individuals with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), every image, sound, and emotion is stored as if in a high-capacity hard drive, ready to be recalled with perfect clarity.

The People Who Never Forget

If you were to meet Nima Veiseh and ask him what he did on any given day in the past 15 years, he could tell you every tiny detail: the weather, what he wore, where he sat. Veiseh describes his memory as a continuous recording that plays back in his mind. People like him, who possess HSAM, have fascinated scientists for years. Another well-known case is Jill Price, an American woman who remembers every event in her life with precision from the age of 12.

The Brain Behind HSAM

Despite their impressive abilities, recent studies by Dr. Lawrence Patihis of the University of Southern Mississippi suggest that HSAM is not as flawless as it seems. People with HSAM can still have false memories, and their ability is often limited to personal experiences rather than world events. Some can recall events from 20 years ago but struggle to remember what happened just five minutes ago.

So, what makes their brains different? Dr. Craig Stark from the University of California conducted brain scans on HSAM individuals and found no structural differences from normal brains. However, their prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for managing memories—works more efficiently. Additionally, these individuals tend to be highly imaginative and extremely sensitive to sights, sounds, and smells. Their heightened sensory absorption allows them to build a stronger memory foundation, making it easier to recall past events vividly. However, scientists believe that a triggering event often plays a role in developing HSAM, causing an obsessive connection to past experiences.

A Blessing or a Burden?

When asked about their condition, most HSAM individuals agree that their extraordinary memory has both advantages and drawbacks. On the positive side, it allows them to relive the richness of past experiences with full emotional intensity. For Veiseh, who has traveled to over 40 countries, this means remembering every detail of his journeys. As an art enthusiast, he can recall every painting in every gallery he has ever visited. His vast memory has even helped him become a professional artist and complete a Ph.D. in design and technology.

However, HSAM is not always a gift. Many individuals with this condition struggle with painful memories that refuse to fade. Moments of embarrassment, heartbreak, or trauma remain as vivid as the day they happened, making it difficult to move on. While most people can let go of the past and focus on the future, HSAM individuals are often trapped in an endless loop of their own history.

Ultimately, having an extraordinary memory may sound like a superpower, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The ability to recall every moment with crystal clarity can be both a treasure and a torment, proving that sometimes, forgetting can be a blessing.