Mechanisms for memory types differ

The formation of long-term memory takes several hours, during which time memories rely on short-term systems,,,. For over 100 years, the main unanswered question of memory research has been whether short-term memory is a necessary step towards long-term memory,, or whether they are separate processes,. Here we report four treatments that block short-term memory while leaving long-term memory intact, showing that these memory systems are separate to some degree.