Why we don’t start making long term memories until around the age of 5.
Most recently researchers have attributed it to a child's lack of self-perception, language, or other mental equipment required to keep memories. More in depth: rapid neuron growth during early childhood disrupts the brain circuitry that stores old memories, making them inaccessible. Young childr…
The Short Answer
Most recently researchers have attributed it to a child's lack of self-perception, language, or other mental equipment required to keep memories. More in depth: rapid neuron growth during early childhood disrupts the brain circuitry that stores old memories, making them inaccessible. Young children also have an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex, another region of the brain that encodes memories, so infantile amnesia may be a combination of these two factors. EDIT: Because someone requested a literal five year old explanation: you haven't learned how to remember things yet.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Memories, brain, recently
This explanation focuses on memories, brain, recently and spans 86 words across 4 sentences. At 26% above the average Space & Astronomy explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Most recently researchers have attributed it to a child's lack of self-perception, language, or other mental equipment r” It then elaborates by explaining the root cause, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.
How This Compares in Space & Astronomy
Ranked #145 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by answer depth (top 30%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why why we don't start making long term memories until around the age of 5.?
Most recently researchers have attributed it to a child's lack of self-perception, language, or other mental equipment required to keep memories. More in depth: rapid neuron growth during early childhood disrupts the brain circuitry that stores old…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Space & Astronomy questions?
This is an above-average answer at 86 words, ranked #145 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by depth. The key concepts covered are memories, brain, recently.
What approach does this answer take to explain why we don't start making long term memories until around th?
The explanation uses root cause analysis and scientific references across 86 words. It is categorized under Space & Astronomy and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.