What Is The Relationship Between Synesthesia And Memory?

Synesthesia is a neurological phenomenon that may result in the blending or pairing of different sensory experiences. The relationship between synesthesia and memory has been the subject of significant discussion and research, with speculation about whether those with synesthesia possess enhanced memory performance. 

If you’re curious about this subject, it may be helpful to explore the context for how synesthesia manifests, the different forms of memory, and whether those with synesthesia possess enhanced memory ability. 

What is synesthesia?

Synesthesia is a condition in which the stimulation of one of the five senses results in a response in a different, unrelated sense. For example, an individual with synesthesia might have the ability to see sounds, hear colors, or taste words.

Synesthesia may take a wide variety of forms, with some estimates putting the number of potential variations at more than 20. Specific individuals may possess multiple forms of synesthesia, while others may only experience one type. Examples of forms of synesthesia include but are not limited to the following: 

• Chromesthesia:Sometimes called “sound-to-color synesthesia,” chromesthesia leads to synesthetic associations between certain sounds and specific colors. 
• Grapheme-color synesthesia:For synesthetes with grapheme-color synesthesia, certain letters or numbers (also known as graphemes) lead to perceptions of specific colors, either physically or within the mind.
• Number-form synesthesia: Those with number-form synesthesia may perceive numbers as having a physical presence in space. 
• Ordinal linguistic personification: Synesthetes with ordinal linguistic personification may associate personalities and genders with different items in a sequence (for example, days of the week or months of the year). 
• Mirror-touch synesthesia:When a person with mirror-touch synesthesia observes a physical sensation happening to someone else, they may also experience the same sensation within their own body. 
• Lexical-gustatory synesthesia: This form of synesthesia creates associations between certain words and the perception of different flavors or tastes.
• Spatial sequence synesthesia: Similar to number-form synesthesia, this form of synesthesia may cause individuals to perceive items in a list or sequence as having a presence in physical space. 

These are a few examples of the different ways synesthesia may blend sensory experiences to affect an individual’s perception. However, each person with synesthesia is different, and their sensory perceptions may vary or not fit fully into one type. 

The different forms of memory

While in a broad sense, memory may refer to the ability to retain or recall information, a range of memory types have been identified, encompassing various cognitive functions. Understanding these types may provide helpful context for the relationship between memory and synesthesia. 

Forms of memory include, but are not limited to:

• Visual memory:Sometimes referred to as “visual working memory,” visual memory refers to the ability to remember what one has seen or perceived visually, such as shapes, objects, or symbols. 
• Associative memory:Associative memory may be defined as remembering the relationships between concepts—for example, the ability to put a name to a face. 
• Episodic memory: Episodic memory may refer to a person’s ability to recall past events or experiences. 
• Recognition memory: Recognition memory refers to one’s ability to recall an event, object, or person they have encountered before by recognizing it. 

These forms of memory, among others, form the foundation of a person’s ability to recall information and events. 

The relationship between synesthesia and memory

Research into the relationship between memory and synesthesia is ongoing, with different studies aiming to identify whether those with synesthesia possess enhanced memory functions. 

Certain studies suggest that synesthetes may have a memory or performance advantage when asked to perform memory-related tasks. For instance, a 2013 study found that synesthetes had an enhanced associative memory regarding color but not shape, indicating that enhanced synesthetic memory may be a real phenomenon in certain contexts. 

Meanwhile, a 2019 meta-analysis found enhanced episodic memory performance among synesthetes and smaller advantages in short-term memory. The study concluded, “Synesthesia is the only known neurodevelopmental condition linked to a pervasive enhancement of long-term memory.”

Given the variety of forms that memory and synesthesia can take, these studies may be taken to suggest that, depending on the type, synesthesia may have effects ranging from a modest to extraordinary memory advantage. However, it may also be important to remember that every synesthete is different and that research into synesthesia and memory constantly evolves. 

Synesthesia and mental health 

Synesthesia may be considered a neurological trait, although it is not considered a mental illness or mental health condition. Those with synesthesia may experience challenges related to their sensory perceptions. For instance, individuals with mirror-touch synesthesia may experience distressing physical sensations in response to seeing others in pain. However, various strategies exist that synesthetes may find useful for tending to their well-being, such as mindfulness and self-care. 

Support options 

Therapy is a resource that may be helpful for those experiencing distressing sensations as a result of synesthesia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, has been researched as a possible treatment for chronic pain and pain-related disability, making it a potential option for synesthetes managing unpleasant sensations. 

However, with costs that can reach as high as $200 per session, face-to-face therapy may not be accessible, particularly for those without insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover therapy. Online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may offer an alternative, with prices starting at $65 to $100 per week (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply) to have sessions with a qualified therapist. Therapists respond to your messages when they can. 

Research has found online therapy to be an effective and cost-efficient alternative to in-person therapy. For example, a 2017 study found that internet-based CBT was useful for treating conditions ranging from chronic pain to depression, anxiety, and phobias.