Remembering nothing from your past, living with SDAM

Susie McKinnon always knew that, when it came to the way we remember the experiences in our lives, she was ... different. But it was hard to say exactly how.

It was a visit to Toronto's Baycrest Health Sciences Centre eight years ago, that finally helped unlock the mystery. Researchers there studied Susie, and two other patients with similar symptoms, and ultimately discovered what they believe is a new condition. 
 

"People's first reactions are, 'well sure, your memory's bad, I don't remember everything about when I was young either'. I understand that's true, but this really is different.- Susie McKinnon

 They call it Severely Deficient Autobiographical Memory syndrome.

Susie McKinnon has been diagnosed with SDAM and she joined us to give us some insight into what it's like to live with this syndrome. Her husband Eric Green, Susie's fact checker, also joined us. They were in Tacoma, Washington.

​Brian Levine is a neuropsychologist at Baycrest Health Sciences Centre. He conducted the research on Susie McKinnon and two other people and he co-wrote the paper identifying Severely Deficient Autobiographical Memory syndrome.  Brian Levine was in Toronto.  
 

• Take the Autobiographical Memory Survey
   

Have thoughts you want to share with us on memory? We love to hear from you.

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This segment was produced by The Current's Sujata Berry.