The role of some brain structures are better understood than others. For example, the hippocampus, a small S-shaped structure that lies just inside your temples, plays a specific role in memory for facts, such as the capital of France (Paris), or events, such as what you had for breakfast (in my case, oatmeal).

Our knowledge of the hippocampus comes, in part, from a rare surgical procedure where an epileptic patient known as H.M. had a large portion of his hippocampus removed to prevent seizures. Although after the operation he suffered fewer seizures, he could no longer form new memories, such as remembering his doctors’ faces. Upon each visit, he introduced himself as if seeing them for the first time.

Imaging studies of patients with PTSD and depression reveal that part of their brain actually shrinks. They have a smaller hippocampus.

Given the fact that conditions such as PTSD are characterized by smaller hippocampi and a decline in memory, it might be important for treatments to address these deficits. Notably, patients with the worst memory performance have the most difficulty recovering.

The road to a high-functioning, herculean memory seems to be paved with a robust hippocampus, and PTSD and depression studies indicate that the hippocampus is dynamic and can change over time, for better or worse. It’s unclear whether SSRIs would improve memory for a healthy adult, but there is an alternative action which has shown promise as a memory enhancer. Exercise, well-documented as a stress-reliever and mood-booster, also helps improve the ability to remember words, facts and ideas. Why might this be? Following a 30-minute jog, a person has elevated levels of nerve-growth chemicals such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) which causes nerve cells in the hippocampus to multiply. The release of BDNF may boost both mood and memory, possibly explaining why exercise remains one of the best natural anti-depressants.

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