Reduction of semantic memory could be an indicator of Alzheimer's disease 12 years before onset. Researchers examine different types of memory loss associated with dementia.
Two new studies advance understanding of how the brain encodes episodic memories. The findings have the potential to develop new avenues of treatment for memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease and TBI.
A short nap allows babies to generalize individual experiences, preserve the details of the experience, and differentiate the events from existing general knowledge.
Firing patterns of neurons that occurred following a word-learning task are replayed fractions of a second later, before recalling the words. Findings suggest the brain uses distinct firing patterns to store and replay memories.
Targeted transcranial electrical stimulation during short-wave sleep can boost episodic memory by almost 20%.
Older women exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to experience greater memory decline and Alzheimer's-like brain atrophy compared with those exposed to cleaner air.
During memory formation, the directional coupling between the neocortex and hippocampus alters. Decreased power in brain oscillations in the neocortex preceded and predicted increased power in the hippocampus. The reverse occurs during memory retrieval.
Hippocampal short-wave ripples trigger spontaneous recollections and reinstate cortical representation during free recall of episodic memories.
Using brain scans and virtual reality technology, researchers discover how a temporal map of memories is generated in the entorhinal cortex.
A small scale pilot study reveals adults with mild cognitive impairment may have improved brain function and memory when they switch to a high-fat, low-carb diet.
The size and shape of neural assemblies, and not the strength of signals processed by neurons or the order in which they fire, is the most critical element of recording episodic memory.
Unexpected rewards boost memories of specific events. The findings may have implications for treating memory problems associated with depression.
