Clive Wearing is a British musician and musicologist known for his severe amnesia. In 1985, he contracted a brain infection called herpes simplex encephalitis, which damaged his hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for forming new memories. As a result, he experiences profound short-term memory loss, unable to remember events for more than a few seconds. Despite his condition, Wearing retains some musical abilities and can still play the piano. His case has been studied extensively in psychology and neuroscience, providing insights into memory and the brain's functioning. His story highlights the complexities of human memory and identity.