My friend Linda told me about this story. But it still amazes me to have seen a recording of it.
This is further proof of a theory I read about that stated human brain actually never ever forgets anything. But instead, when we “forget” something, our brain simply loses that connection to access that specific part of the memory that allows the brain to retrieve it to the consciousness. The brain also helps to keep “normal” individuals sane by purposely blocking out most of the information that it deems unimportant so our consciousness can actually stay focused on tasks that matter (i.e. running away from man-eating tigers). A recent study on Alzheimer’s disease has also shed some light to similar effect (heard it on NPR).
Note: The amazing guy profiled in the story is Stephen Wiltshire.