The Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychology of Declarative and Nondeclarative Memory

Abstract

The hippocampus and anatomically related structures in the medialtemporal lobe support the capacity for declarative memory (Squireand Zola-Morgan 1991; Eichenbaum and Cohen 2001). Declarative memoryrefers to the capacity to recollect facts and events and has thedefining features of being consciously accessible and flexible inits expression. Declarative memory can be contrasted to a collectionof nondeclarative forms of memory that includes skills and habits,priming, and simple forms of conditioning. These forms of memoryare supported by brain structures outside the medial temporal lobe.Nondeclarative memory is expressed through performance rather thanrecollection and what is learned is nonconscious and dependent onthe original learning conditions for full expression.