Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Memory study may offer new insight into PTSD
By Staff Writer
Understanding the complexities of the human brain is essential in treating conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results of a recent memory study reveal that the processes behind memory storage may be more complex than neuroscientists originally thought.
For the study, researchers from New York University analyzed the neurological process people undergo when storing memories after an experience. This process is known as memory consolidation. Also examined was memory reconsolidation, which occurs when new experiences lead an individual to recall old memories.
Researchers set out to find if there were any differences between the consolidation and reconsolidation of memories during protein synthesis, which has been said to be a necessary part of memory storage.
Laboratory rats were administered mild electric shocks paired with an audible tone to create a specific associative fear memory along with memory consolidation. To spur reconsolidation, the tone was played one day later. The rats were also injected with a drug which inhibited the initiation stage of protein synthesis.
According to the study's findings, the inhibitor interfered with memory consolidation but had no effect on reconsolidation. For the neuroscientists, this shows that there is a greater variation between the two processes than was previously thought. This new knowledge is crucial in assisting individuals who have PTSD or require cognitive therapy for their memory-related afflictions.
