H. M., an Unforgettable Amnesiac

As a child H.M. suffered from Seizure disorder called Epilepsy. In 1953 he underwent an experimental brain operation in Hartford, to try an correct his seizures, however the operation while it did stop the seizures also affected his memory. He could remember every thing that had happened in his life before the operation, but all his memories of what was happening to him, he could not remember. Every time he met a friend, ate something, read something, went some where it was for the first time. He lived this way for 55 years, at the age of 82 he died. H.M. is a very important patient in the history of brain science, his case helps scientists understand the biology of learning, memory and physical dexterity. Before him, Many scientist believed that memory was widely distributed throughout the brain, that it was not in one place or region, H.M. case however showed that this was not true. Scientists later began to see that at least two systems in the brain are use for creating new memories,declarative memory, which is things like records names, faces and new experiences, are stored in these systems until they are consciously retrieved. This system needs the use of medial temporal areas, chiefly a organ called the hippo-campus.