Research continues to show how important it is to start protecting our memory earlier in life. But when it comes to implicit vs explicit memory, what’s the difference? Why does it matter? And how can you support both as you age?
Implicit and explicit memory are both forms of long-term memory—meaning the information is transferred from short-term memory into longer-term storage and can last for years or even a lifetime. But while they both fall under the same umbrella, they work in very different ways.
We asked psychology experts to explain the difference between the two and how to keep your brain sharp well into the future.
What is implicit memory?
Implicit memory is a type of long-term memory that helps you recall things automatically, without much effort, or even unconsciously, says clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Adler. In other words, these are memories you may not be actively aware of, but they still influence your behaviour or skills, explains clinical psychologist Dr Agnesa Papazyan.
There are three types of implicit memory to know about: priming, classical conditioning (sometimes called Pavlovian conditioning), and procedural memory, says Dr Papazyan. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Priming: This happens when being exposed to one thing affects how you respond to another. “For example, if you hear the word yellow, you might immediately think of banana, rather than something unrelated like ocean,” explains Dr Papazyan.
Conditioning: Conditioning involves learning through association. Think Pavlov’s dogs. “A child who felt pain or fear when getting a vaccination might associate needles with that fear and continue feeling anxious about shots later in life,” says Dr Papazyan.
Procedural: These are the motor skills and habits we pick up more instinctively, like riding a bike or typing. “This is the kind of memory that kicks in without much thought—you don’t need to relearn how to ride a bike every time you hop on,” says Dr Adler.
What is explicit memory?
Explicit memory refers to information and experiences we can consciously recall, reflect on, and describe, says Dr Papazyan. “This includes specific memories from throughout your life—like a family holiday or scoring a goal during an important soccer match.” Explicit memory also stores general knowledge, such as facts, concepts and meanings, she adds.
There are two main types of explicit memory, explains Dr Adler:
Episodic memory: This is memory tied to personal experiences, including the context of time, place and emotion. Think: your wedding day, your 16th birthday or another standout moment from your life, says Dr Adler.
Semantic memory: This type stores facts and general knowledge. “It includes things like remembering the capital of a country or the meaning of a word,” explains Dr Adler.
What’s the difference between implicit and explicit memory?
The key distinction lies in awareness. “Implicit memory operates subconsciously—you don’t have to think about it. It’s your automatic habits and learned skills,” explains Dr Papazyan. “Explicit memory, on the other hand, involves intentional thought—it’s how we recall specific events or general knowledge.”
These memory types are measured differently too, she adds. “Explicit memory is assessed using tasks that require effortful recall, such as remembering vocabulary words for a test.”
Dr Adler notes that implicit memory strengthens with repetition and supports skill-building over time. In contrast, explicit memory is deliberately stored and often retrieved through practice or reflection.
What influences implicit and explicit memory?
Several factors can affect both implicit and explicit memory. These include age, attention (especially important for explicit memory), repeated exposure, emotional state and sleep, says Dr Papazyan. “Both types of memory change as we age, but explicit memory tends to decline more noticeably,” she explains.
Our focus at the time of learning also matters. “The level of attention paid can determine how well a memory is formed, especially for explicit recall,” says Dr Papazyan. Emotional associations can further influence memory—for example, classical conditioning can create strong implicit memories linked to emotional reactions, such as a child associating injections with fear and crying.
Dr Sarah Adler adds that implicit memory is often shaped by repetition and contextual cues. “Priming plays a big role—like knowing your way around a keyboard without consciously thinking about the keys,” she explains. In contrast, explicit memory often ties closely to specific emotions or associative thinking.
How implicit and explicit memory work together
While they operate under different mechanisms, implicit and explicit memory often work side by side. “Implicit memory allows you to perform tasks automatically—like walking or driving—while explicit memory helps you recall where you’re going or why,” says Dr Adler. “For example, I might walk to a café without thinking about the steps (implicit), but explicitly remember I’m meeting a friend for lunch.”
Emotional states and stress also affect memory, often in contrasting ways. “Working memory—the part we use for short-term focus—tends to falter under stress,” Dr Adler says. “But high stress can actually reinforce implicit memories, especially when connected to negative emotions.”
In short, these two memory systems complement each other in our day-to-day lives, says Dr Papazyan. A common example is driving: “You remember how to operate the car through implicit memory, while your explicit memory helps you recall your destination.”
How to protect implicit and explicit memory
To support both memory types, Dr Papazyan recommends staying mentally and socially engaged. “Having regular social interaction and doing brain-stimulating activities like puzzles or learning a new language can boost long-term cognitive health,” she says.
A well-rounded lifestyle also plays a key role. “A nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise and proper sleep support brain health across the board,” she says. Sleep, in particular, is crucial for memory consolidation—the brain’s process of turning short-term information into long-term memory.
Managing stress is equally important. “Chronic stress can impair both memory systems, so self-care routines, mindfulness and even a simple walk in nature can be very beneficial,” Dr Papazyan says.
Dr Adler agrees: “Protecting your brain isn’t so different from protecting your body. Regular movement, a balanced diet, good sleep and reducing stress all help maintain your memory as you age.”
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