Clive Wearing.

Worst case of amnesia ever known. Has a memory from 7 seconds to 30 seconds, yet retains perfect procedural memory, i.e. can remember how to tie shoes, tie a tie, drive, and perform piano recitals (he is a distinguished musicologist and pianist). He can eloquently answer questions, but by the time he answers them, he can no longer remember the question.

What I found most interesting is that whenever he finishes playing the piano, or listening to music, he shakes uncontrollably. Doctors say it’s because he is so overwhelmed with emotion, but because of his lack of memory, he has no idea why, and the tremors are the best release his mind can come up with.

The only person he can recognize is his wife, and each time he sees her, he believes it’s been years since they’ve last met. He gets so excited.