Brad Williams, one of a few people in the world with hyperthymesia, is able to remember details of virtually every day of his life.  In January, 2007, Williams made his first national television appearance on ABC’s  Good Morning America.  Before the interview began, the host asked him what happened on April 10, 1970.  He recalled nothing and labeled it an ordinary day.   Later, as he made his way back to the hotel, the question nagged at Williams.  He knew there was something special about that day, but what?  Williams suddenly recalled that on April 10, 1970, Paul McCartney left the Beatles.   His amazing recall came through again, just a little late.

You may not remember what you ate for breakfast on the third Thursday in March of second grade, but you probably remember what you ate today.    Some memories last for a few moments, while others remain for decades.  To understand why some memories last longer than others, it helps to understand how your brain receives, stores, retrieves, and forgets information.