Newent, England – Visualizing memories is a common experience for many individuals. The scent of cinnamon or the sound of a particular song can transport people back to specific moments in their past. However, for Mary Wathen, a 43-year-old solicitor from Newent, England, the ability to conjure mental images is absent. She cannot recall baking with her mother, her husband’s proposal, or even the birth of her children through visual memories.
Wathen’s condition, known as aphantasia, was discovered a year ago when she learned that she and her mother share this rare form of processing. Aphantasia is not considered a disability or disease by experts, but rather an interesting variation in human experience. While some individuals like Wathen lack the ability to form mental images, others, like Dutch-born artist Geraldine van Heemstra, possess hyperphantasia, allowing them to vividly recall memories almost as if they were happening in the moment.
Researchers estimate that around 4% of the world’s population may have aphantasia, according to neurologist Adam Zeman. This condition can be linked to memory impairment, autism, or face blindness. On the other end of the spectrum, up to 10% of the world’s population may have hyperphantasia, characterized by extra-vivid imagery and potential synesthesia.
Despite the differences in processing abilities, both Wathen and van Heemstra hope that by sharing their experiences, they can help others understand and accept the uniqueness of various brain processes. They believe that awareness and empathy towards different cognitive abilities can lead to a more harmonious and inclusive society, particularly in educational settings where children’s creativity and engagement are crucial.
In conclusion, the variations in cognitive processing, such as aphantasia and hyperphantasia, shed light on the diverse ways in which individuals perceive and interact with the world. By acknowledging and respecting these differences, we can foster a more understanding and empathetic society.