Memory Consolidation
Epilepsy effect on Consolidation
-Seizures from the Epilepsy prevent individuals from remembering the period of time that surrounded the seizure. 1) Short term memory is not consolidated to long term. 2) Long term memory is not affected
Long-term memory
1) Repetition is required for the conversion of short term memory to long term memory. 2) Stabilized by anatomical changes 3) Stabile and supported by new protein synthesis
Consolidation
1) The time that must pass for memory to achieve a stabile long term form. 2) Susceptible and vulnerable to interference
Short-term memory
1) Transient molecular changes 2) Doesn't require anatomical change to be retained. 3) Does not require the synthesis of new proteins
Brain injuries effect on Consolidation
Ex: Football players 1) There is an interruption in the signaling processes of the brain that prevent short term to long term memory -Retrograde amnesia
Larry Squire Protein Synthesis Experiment
Experiment: Rats go through a T-maze and complete a task that requires the hippocampus. They must remember whether to go to the left or the right to receive the reward. -Rat given cyclohexamide (inhibitor) or saline (control) Results: Drugged animal able to remember short term memory, long term memory was impaired. Control animal had very good memory, learned in a sequence. *NEED protein synthesis for the conversion of short term memory for long term memory*
Cyclohexamide
Is an inhibitor, it blocks protein synthesis. -Inhibitors of protein synthesis disrupt long term memory only when given during a brief period, during and immediately after training -If given AFTER the learning has taken place, then it will not block memory. There is a critical time period (Consolidation) for protein synthesis.
What is a critical component for short term memory to be converted to long term memory?
The conversion from short term memory to long term memory requires protein synthesis.
Retrograde Amnesia
The loss of memories occurring or that occurred before the injury.
