Hyperthymesia is a condition characterized by an exceptionally detailed autobiographical memory. Individuals with hyperthymesia can recall the date, day of the week, and personal events for almost any day of their life, often going back to early childhood. While their memory is rich in emotional and experiential detail, it is not necessarily superior in other cognitive areas like abstract thinking or problem-solving.
Research suggests this condition is linked to both neurological and psychological factors, including structural differences in parts of the brain involved in memory and emotion. While rare, those who live with hyperthymesia often experience psychological side effects such as emotional overwhelm, inability to forget traumatic events, or challenges with living in the present.
First documented in 2006, fewer than 100 cases of hyperthymesia have been studied in depth worldwide.
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