Essentially, it is the memory of how to do certain things.

These memories become so ingrained that they are almost automatic.

In many cases, you learn these skills during early childhood.

Woman tying her shoe next to a bike

Ryoko Uyama / Photodisc / Getty Images

Learning how to walk is one great example.

Once this action is learned, you do not need to consciously remind yourself of how the process works.

Your procedural memory takes over and allows you to perform the skill without thinking about it.

Procedural Memory Examples

You use procedural memory for a variety of actions.

The more frequently an action is performed, the more often signals are sent through those same synapses.

Over time, these synaptic routes become stronger and the actions themselves becomeunconsciousandautomatic.

A number of brain structures are involved in the formation and maintenance of procedural memories.

The limbic system, another area of the brain, also coordinates many processes involved inmemoryandlearning.

However, some research indicates that procedural memory can be improved for stroke patients.

Not every brain-based condition appears to affect procedural memory.

It may even be possible for mental health disorders to impact procedural memory.

Procedural Memory vs. Declarative Memory

Procedural memory is just one memory key in.

Another pop in of long-term memory is declarative memory.

Procedural Memory

Procedural memory is considered a key in ofimplicit memory.

You havent expended any effort to learn the lyrics and melody of the song.

Simply hearing it in the background as you go about your day leads to the formation of implicit memory.

A procedural memory or implicit memory is often difficult to explain.

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