Human brains 'file' irrelevant thoughts of the past into a 'trash folder'

Vital clues about how the brain erases long-term memories have been uncovered by researchers. The study reveals how forgetting can be the result of an'active deletion process' - similar to moving a computer file to a virtual bin - rather than a failure to remember. And the findings may help point towards new ways of tackling memory loss associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. A study has revealed how forgetting memories can be the result of an'active deletion process' - similar to moving a computer file to a virtual bin - rather than a failure to remember. The findings could also help scientists to understand why some unwanted memories are so long-lasting - such as those of people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders.