The Curent Understanding of the Neurobiology of Memory Reconsolidation and Its Implications for Psychology

Studying the brain has been an affective result in finding out the various neurochemicals that are involved with PTSD. Brain imaging systems nowadays focus on two brain structures, the amygdala and the hippocampus. The amygdala is involved with how we learn about our fear and hippocampus plays a role with our memory formation. Some research focuses on a hormonal system known as hypothalamic-pituitary

Memory refers to the persistence of learning in a state that can be revealed at a later time (Squire, 1987). A memory is a network of neocortical neurons and the connections that link them. That network is formed by experience as a result of the concurrent activation of neuronal ensembles that

PTSD is a disorder that is closely associated with traumatic memories and events. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms driving PTSD, it is vital to understand the plasticity of memory formation, consolidation, and reactivation. Multiple studies have documented that following the initial memory encoding stage, memory remains temporarily vulnerable to disruption until the consolidation phase (McGaugh, 2000). Diverse corticosteroid compounds (Aerni, et al., 2004) (Schelling, 2002) (Schelling, et al., 2001) (Schelling, et

Being able to understand the many genetic and environmental connections to stress will provide a way to map out the diagnostic and treatment which will show how vulnerable and resilient people are to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Also, there are a lot of better ways to study the brain. Scientists are being provided with information about the structures and chemicals of the brain and how the development of PTSD are related to the mind and the brain. There are two brain structures that imaging has placed emphasis on, the amygdala and hippocampus. The amygdala is how we study fear and it is believed that this is involved in people with PTSD. The hippocampus is involved with the memory. There is evidence that there is some memory loss in people with PTSD. It has been discovered that neurochemicals may be involved in PTSD. Medicine can be used to reverse this neurochemical dysfunction. "Ultimately, it may even be possible to predict the development of PTSD based on the early psychological and changes in people who have been exposed to a traumatic event. Continued research also offers the promise of new treatments for PTSD in the future."( Harold Cohen, Ph.D.)

The importance of understanding the underlying psychological mechanisms by which both memories are repressed and

Long-term potentiation refers to the steady increase in synaptic activity between two neurons which causes persistent strengthening of synaptic activity. Since memory formation is mainly dependent on synaptic strength, LTP seems to play an essential role in memory formation. Contrary to that, long-term depression causes a reduction in synaptic activity between two neurons, causing a decrease in synaptic activity. LTP and LTD are essential for normal functioning of the brain and balance in the ratio of LTP/LTD is needed for homeostasis. The levels and activity of LTP and LTD are majorly dependent on Calcium levels, Calcium-Calmodulin Kinase, NMDARs (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptors) and AMPARs (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic

Hippocampus is a small, curved region, which exists in both hemispheres of the brain and plays a vital role in emotions, learning and acquisition of new information. It also contributes majorly to long term memory, which is permanent information stored in the brain. Although long term memory is the last information that can be forgotten, its impairment has become very common nowadays. The dysfunction is exemplified by many neurological disorders such as amnesia. There are two types of amnesia, anterograde and retrograde. Anterograde amnesia is inability in forming new information, while retrograde refers to the loss of the past memory. As suggested by Cipolotti and Bird (2006), hippocampus’s lesions are

Synaptic plasticity refers to a process through which the brain undergoes neural changes due to alterations in synaptic strength. Many studies have demonstrated that these synapses have the ability to strengthen or weaken on account of synaptic activity. In other words, an increase in synaptic activity will further strengthen that connection, making it more sensitive to a particular stimulus. Conversely, a decrease in synaptic activity will weaken the connection such that it loses its sensitivity to a given stimulus. The neuronal events that result in the strengthening or weakening of a synapse are explained through two mechanisms – Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) and Long-Term Depression (LTD). In fact, scientists believe that the coupling of these two mechanisms essentially contributes to memory and learning of an individual.

How does memory work? Is it possible to improve your memory? In order to answer these questions, one must look at the different types of memory and how memory is stored in a person's brain.Memory is the mental process of retaining and recalling information or experiences. (1) It is the process of taking events, or facts and storing them in the brain for later use. There are three types of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Learning is a very important aspect of humans and creatures alike. Not only is it essential to the survival and adaption into this world but it also defines who we are as individuals (Schiller et al, 2010; Tronson & Taylor, 2007). Memories from past experiences shape the people that we are today. A crucial element to learning is memory, without it we would not be able to retain information. The process of memory is very distinct and consists of several different stages: acquisition of memory, consolidation, retrieval and then either reconsolidation or extinction (Debiec & Ledoux, 2004; Diergaarde, Schoffelmeer & De Vries, 2008). As memory is such a critical aspect of learning, it is no wonder that its distinct process has become the topic of much research in the neurobiological universe (Hupbach et al, 2007; Nader & Hardt, 2009).

Doctors and scientists dispute the exact role of the hippocampus, but agree that it has an essential role in the formation of new memories about personally experienced events. Some researchers prefer to consider the hippocampus as part of a larger medial temporal lobe memory system responsible for declarative memory. When a long-term, declarative memory is made, certain neuronal connections in the temporal lobe are strengthened, and others are weakened. These changes are fairly permanent, however some may take weeks or months before they are complete

The two concepts that I resonated with are Memory and the Psychodynamic theory. Starting with the Psychodynamic theory is an approach to psychology that studies the psychological forces underlying human behavior, feelings, and emotions, and how they may relate to early childhood experience. This theory is most closely associated with the work of Sigmund Freud, and with psychoanalysis, a type of psychotherapy that attempts to explore the patient’s unconscious thoughts and emotions so that the person is better able to understand him or herself. The second one is Memory; understanding how memory works will help you improves your memory. Which is an essential key to attaining knowledge. Memory is one of the important cognitive processes. Memory involves remembering and forgetting. I chose the two concepts because throughout the class they stood out to the most. Understanding the conscious, subconscious mind and also memory. I’m interested in understanding the human behavior.

The brain is very good at warning us, sensitively reacting to abnormal noise and smells, or enemies. The brain also can realize that what was thought as a danger is not actually threat. However, sometimes this process failed, and this may cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). New research has found some parts of the brain which delete bad memories. This finding may be a help to treat anxiety disorders.

"I lost my keys again," my mother exclaimed at dinner a few nights ago, "I really am getting old." This use of old age as a justification for memory deficits is extremely common. Many people relate old age with loss of memory and other neurobiological functions. Why is it that aging seems to go hand in hand with losing and forgetting things? Is there a neurobiological explanation for this phenomenon?

Most research findings confirmed what prior research indicated – protein degradation and synthesis are essential in memory formation and memory formation relies on NMDA. However, the research indicated differences between the memory processes used by the hippocampus and amygdala in that prior researchers had found little evidence that protein degradation was a necessary part of the consolidation of memories in hippocampus. This led researchers to conclude that the amygdala and hippocampus may be more similar with regard to reconsolidation of memories than consolidation of memories.