Question

Damage to the hippocampus disrupts which type of memory?

Short answer

Answer: Long-term declarative (explicit) memory, including episodic and semantic memory, is primarily disrupted when there is damage to the hippocampus in the brain.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Hippocampus Function

The hippocampus is a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in the formation, organization, and storage of new memories. It is involved in consolidating information from short-term to long-term memory and helps with spatial memory and navigation.

Type of Memory Affected

When damage occurs to the hippocampus, the type of memory that is primarily affected is the long-term declarative (explicit) memory. This includes both episodic memory (events and experiences) and semantic memory (facts and general knowledge). In conclusion, damage to the hippocampus disrupts long-term declarative (explicit) memory, which includes episodic and semantic memory.