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The regions of the brain vital to memory and the emotions synchronise.

Highly emotional memories last the longest, research finds.

Of the emotions, though, it is fear that tends to make memories stick in the mind.

The regions of the brain vital to memory and the emotions synchronise when fearful memories are laid down and recalled.

Fear is a particularly powerful driver of memories because fearful memories are vital for our survival.

A person who remembers dangers and is more cautious on the next occasion is more likely to survive.

A useful memory is one that focuses on our wellbeing, says Professor René Hen, co-author of a new study on the subject:

“It makes sense we don’t remember everything.

We have limited brain power.

We only need to remember what’s important for our future wellbeing.”