Long-term memory

Long-term memory (LTM) is memory that lasts from days to years. It differs from working memory and short-term memory, which both last from seconds to hours. Biologically, short-term memory is a temporary potentiation of neural connections that can become long-term memory through the process of memory consolidation.

As long-term memory is subject to fading in the natural forgetting process, several recalls/retrievals of memory may be needed for long-term memories to last for years. Individual retrievals can take place in increasing intervals in accordance with the principle of spaced repetition.

Sleep is considered a necessary factor for establishing well-organized long-term memories.

Related topics

• Long-term potentiation

zh:长期记忆

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