People with memory loss can sometimes forget how to start a car, especially if their memory impairment affects procedural memory or the ability to perform learned motor tasks automatically. This phenomenon depends on the type and severity of the memory loss and the brain regions involved.
Starting a car is generally considered a procedural memory task, which involves the brain’s ability to perform actions automatically without conscious thought after repeated practice. Procedural memory is often preserved longer than other types of memory, such as episodic memory (memory of events) or semantic memory (facts), in many forms of memory loss, including early Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment. However, as memory loss progresses, especially in conditions affecting the hippocampus and connected brain regions, even procedural tasks like starting a car can become challenging.
The hippocampus plays a crucial role in forming new memories and spatial navigation, but procedural memory relies more heavily on other brain areas such as the basal ganglia and cerebellum. Research shows that while the hippocampus may not change in size with navigation training, the connectivity between brain regions improves, suggesting that complex tasks like driving involve multiple brain systems working together [1]. If these connections weaken due to neurodegeneration or brain injury, the automatic retrieval of driving-related memories and actions can be impaired [3].
In cases of dementia or significant cognitive decline, individuals may forget the sequence of steps needed to start a car, such as inserting the key, turning it, or pressing the start button. This is because the brain’s ability to retrieve the “instances” or memories of what to do at each step slows down or becomes disrupted [3]. Additionally, cognitive decline often involves reduced cholinergic function, which affects attention and memory processing, further complicating the ability to perform routine tasks [2].
Memory loss is not caused by a single factor but involves multiple molecular and neural changes. For example, age-related memory decline is linked to changes in gene expression in the hippocampus, such as the silencing of the IGF2 gene, which supports memory formation. Reactivating such genes in animal studies has improved memory, indicating that memory loss can be partially reversible or modifiable [4][6].
Moreover, cognitive capacity can be influenced by external factors like distractions or the presence of smartphones, which reduce available attentional resources even without active use. This reduction in cognitive capacity can exacerbate difficulties in performing tasks that require memory and attention, such as starting a car [5].
In summary, people with memory loss may forget how to start a car if their procedural memory or the brain networks supporting automatic task retrieval are impaired. This is more likely in advanced stages of memory disorders or when multiple brain systems involved in memory and attention are affected. Research continues to explore ways to support memory and cognitive function to help maintain independence in daily activities like driving.
Sources:
[1] University of Arizona research on navigation and brain connectivity
[2] Effects of cognitive training on cholinergic function and memory
[3] Study on automaticity and memory retrieval in driving
[4] Virginia Tech research on gene reactivation to improve memory
[5] Study on smartphone presence reducing cognitive capacity
[6] Virginia Tech findings on molecular changes in aging brains
