The Memory Bump Explained
The “memory bump” is a phenomenon identified by psychologists and neuroscientists, referring to the tendency for people to recall more memories from adolescence and early adulthood—roughly ages 10 to 30—than from any other period of life.
During these years, the brain is especially active in encoding experiences, as many firsts and formative events occur that shape identity and emotional development. Because these memories are deeply embedded, they often remain accessible even when more recent memories fade, making them a powerful anchor for connection and recall.
Psychologists describe the memory bump as the result of several overlapping processes.
Neurologically, the brain during adolescence and early adulthood is at its peak capacity for encoding and storing information, particularly because the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—key regions for memory—are highly active and efficient at this stage.
Psychologically, these years are filled with “firsts” and identity-shaping experiences, such as education, careers, relationships, and independence, which create strong emotional markers that make memories more vivid and enduring.
Together, this combination of neurological readiness and psychologically significant events explains why memories from ages 10 to 30 are denser and more resilient than those from later life!
Research shows that multisensory stimulation—especially music—can be one of the most powerful tools for people living with Alzheimer’s. Music activates multiple areas of the brain at once, including those linked to emotion and long-term memory, which often remain accessible even when other parts of memory fade. Familiar sounds and songs can spark recognition, lift mood, and unlock memories that may otherwise seem lost.
That’s why each Memory Bump book doesn’t just use images and stories, but also aims to recreate the sights, sounds, and even imagined smells of 1950s Hong Kong. With QR codes, readers can access specially designed soundscapes blending music of the era with ambient street sounds—transporting them back into the heart of their formative years and helping to fully jog memory.