Symptom 11: Loss of Emotional Memory: The Unfelt Past of Anterograde Amnesia
Emotions are an integral part of our memory system. They add color and meaning to our experiences, and they play a crucial role in how we remember events. However, in anterograde amnesia, there is often a loss of emotional memory, leaving individuals with a lack of emotional attachment to recent events.
Imagine watching a touching movie or experiencing a beautiful moment, but not being able to remember how it made you feel. This is what happens to those with anterograde amnesia. They can experience emotions in the moment, but the emotional component of the memory tends to fade away.
This symptom provides a unique insight into the role of emotions in our memory system. It shows us that emotional memory is not just about remembering events, but also about remembering how these events made us feel. (11)
