Brenda Milner's groundbreaking work in neuroscience and cognitive psychology, particularly her studies of patient Henry Molaison (H.M.) at McGill University, revolutionized the understanding of memory systems. H.M., who suffered severe amnesia following brain surgery in 1953 aimed at controlling epilepsy, became a pivotal case study.
Milner, a professor at McGill University, is considered a founder of clinical neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience. H.M.'s surgery resulted in anterograde amnesia, preventing him from forming new long-term memories. However, he could still recall some memories from before the surgery.
Despite his inability to form new declarative memories, Milner discovered that H.M. could learn motor skills, such as mirror drawing, without consciously remembering the learning process. This finding led to the concept of multiple memory systems within the brain.
Milner's research demonstrated that different types of memory rely on distinct brain structures. H.M.'s case highlighted the critical role of the hippocampus in forming new long-term memories. Her work introduced the idea that memory is not a single, unified function but a collection of systems, including working, procedural, episodic, and semantic memory.
Milner's insights have profoundly impacted the understanding of brain function and memory, influencing research internationally. Her work showed that the medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus, is crucial for forming long-term memories.