Long-term memory (LTM): When information in short-term memory is rehearsed, it gets transferred to long-term memory. It is believed that long-term memory can store information indefinitely, although retrieval can sometimes be challenging. Long-term memory is divided into three categories:

• Semantic memory. This memory type contains information about the general knowledge of the world and its structure. For example, we remember that we use the elevator to go up or the fact that the birds fly. This memory type is rarely lost.
• Episodic memory. This category contains the episodes of one's life, for example we remember our graduation or a family gathering. The information stored in episodic memory can change over time due to repetition (we tell a different story every time we recall it). This it the type of memory that gets lost when suffering from amnesia.
• Procedural memory. This type of memory includes our 'motor programms' or skills. The skills are learnt by practice and once stored in the long term memory they can be executed without conscious effort. However, lack of recent practice may require the individual to execute it with conscious effort until it becomes automated again. Examples of skills are knowing how to drive the car or fly the aircraft.

Semantic memory → meaning and knowledge of the world
Episodic memory → past personal experiences and events
Procedural memory → skills memory