Episodic memory together with semantic memory is part of the division of memory known as explicit or declarative memory. Semantic memory is focused on general knowledge about the world and includes facts, concepts, and ideas. Episodic memory, on the other hand, involves the recollection of particular life experiences.

For explicit memories – which are about events that happened to you (episodic), as well as general facts and information (semantic) – there are three important areas of the brain: the hippocampus, the neocortex and the amygdala. Implicit memories, such as motor memories, rely on the basal ganglia and cerebellum.

Semantic memory refers to the memory of meaning, understanding, general knowledge about the world, and other concept-based knowledge unrelated to specific experiences.

Episodic memory is defined as the ability to recall and mentally reexperience specific episodes from one’s personal past and is contrasted with semantic memory that includes memory for generic, context-free knowledge.

Some examples of episodic memory:

• Where you were and the people you were with when you found out about the 9/11 attacks.
• Your skiing vacation last winter.
• The first time you traveled by airplane.
• Your roommate from your first year in college.
• The details about how you learned of a relative’s death.

An abnormal attention span can indicate attention deficit disorder (ADD), as well as a wide range of other difficulties. Your examiner may ask you to count backward from a certain number or spell a short word both forward and backward. You may also be asked to follow spoken instructions.

Most people think that dyslexia causes people to reverse letters and numbers and see words backwards. Because word reading takes more time and focus, the meaning of the word often is lost, and reading comprehension is poor. It’s not surprising that people with dyslexia have trouble spelling.

Common tests used are the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), or Folstein test, and the Montréal cognitive assessment (MoCA). The provider will check your physical appearance, including: Age.

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.

OCD often latches onto some of our deepest fears. In my case, it was lying to people I care about (my readers) and manipulating them without meaning to. This dissonance (caused by intrusive thoughts, which I discussed in a previous Crazy Talk column) is a big part of what makes this disorder so very painful.