Health Watch: Remarkable Memories
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Inside the mind of people with total recall, like what the star of the CBS show "Unforgettable" has. People with remarkable recall are now being studied to see if there's something that could help all of us perhaps get better memories. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl tells us about the local connection.
Frank Healy, who lives in Woodbine, New Jersey, has more than a good memory. He can remember almost every day of his life in detail. Dates, days of the week, events. Every moment of every day, since he was six, locked in his brain.
Stephanie ask Frank, "Do you remember October 31, 2008?
Frank replied, "That was a big day in Philly. It was the parade for the Phillies.
Frank has something called Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory.
"It's a rare ability," said Neuroscientist James McGaugh with the University of California Irvine. He's leading the first study of superior memories.
"It may shed some light on the nature of memory in general," said McGaugh. He says 100 people might actually have superior autobiographical memories.
Their brains are slightly different and they tend to be compulsive. Only 11 people have been diagnosed, and accepted for further study. They include Frank, the actress Mary Lou Henner, and Sean Conlon.
"It could lead to something very, very important," said Sean, who lives in Maryland. Frank and Sean have become friends through the research. And yes, they're a little competitive about their special abilities. Stephanie quizzed them on many historical events. They got the date, including the day of the week, correct every time. Their memories focus on events. It's not instant or photographic, so they can't count cards in a casino or remember poems.
"I would say it's about 80 percent blessing and 20 percent a curse," said Sean. The curse can be sad memories, fortunately for Sean and Frank there aren't too many of those.
"Where it does hurt me the most is my love life, which is non-existent at this point. All those past failures with women just come back," said Sean. He says the constant reminders hurt his confidence, and he's been unable to have a successful relationship.
For Frank who's 51, he only recently got married.
Frank and Sean have gotten used to their special talent, and love to show it off.
Frank counsels people about improving their memories, and is writing second book about it. He says people usually become forgetful because they're distracted.
He's advises people pay attention and focus when learning new things, and being curious helps. Also create associations for names, like the woman's name Betty. He always associates the name with making a bet.
RELATED LINKS:
Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory University of California Irvine Study Information
"Living With A Phenomenal Memory"
