Mild brain damage may affect memory more than severe injuries

In a small study, memory recall was better in people with more severe damage to a brain region involved with memory, compared with those with milder damage. With severe damage, other parts of the brain may take on the damaged region’s function

By Jason Arunn Murugesu

Memory problems that occur with a type of amnesia paradoxically seem to be worse in people with less severe brain damage, compared with those with more damage. Severely injuring a key part of the brain that is involved in memory recall may force the organ to reorganise itself so other areas take on that function.

Developmental amnesia most often …