New research suggests that our memories might not be located in the synapses as previously believed.
In a groundbreaking development, a new study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles challenges the long-held belief that memories are stored solely in synapses. The research suggests that our memories might reside within the brain's interior, offering hope for treating memory-related conditions like Alzheimer's and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The study, which observed memory consolidation 48 hours after the experiment ended, reveals that memories are stored in dynamic, distributed networks of neurons called memory engrams. These engrams are initially encoded in the hippocampus during memory formation and later consolidated and redistributed over time to various cortical areas for long-term storage.
The hippocampus plays a crucial role in the initial encoding of episodic memories and spatial representations, but the specific neurons involved can change over time. As memories consolidate, they become less dependent on the hippocampus and more represented across distributed cortical networks, involving coordinated activity among different brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, retrosplenial cortex, and anterior thalamic nuclei.
Emotional memories involve additional brain regions like the amygdala, while working memory and integration involve the prefrontal cortex. Beyond synaptic plasticity, possible mechanisms like ephaptic conduction (electric field transmission between neurons) have been proposed to contribute to how neurons are selected and organized in engram networks.
The study also highlights the role of the drug propranolol in treating PTSD. Propranolol prevents the production of proteins necessary for long-term memory, thus blocking memories. However, it is effective only if administered immediately after the traumatic event. Each time a memory is recalled, these connections are reactivated and strengthened.
While Glanzman, the lead researcher, is not certain that PTSD can be treated and cured with drugs alone, the findings offer a promising new direction for research. If the theory is confirmed, it could open a new window for treating diseases like PTSD, Alzheimer's, and other memory-related conditions.
In conclusion, the concept of "memory" has a robust biological foundation in the brain. Memories are not stored statically in synapses alone but are represented by dynamic networks of neurons called memory engrams that are distributed across multiple brain regions. These engrams evolve over time, shifting between the hippocampus and cortex, supporting memory consolidation, retrieval, and lasting storage. These memory traces could potentially be preserved through lasting changes, offering hope for the future of memory research and treatment.
Sciences related to health-and-wellness, particularly mental health, could benefit significantly from the findings of the new study. This study, which explores the formation and storage of memories, suggests that therapies-and-treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's and PTSD might be developed by targeting the dynamic, distributed networks of neurons called memory engrams in the brain. The research offers a promising new direction for mental-health research, potentially leading to new treatments and interventions for memory-related illnesses.
