Memory

Question 1

What are the two different memory types

Answer 1

• Declarative memory, consciously available e.g., exam memory
• Non-declarative, unconsciously available e.g., tying a shoelace

Question 2

Memory/ learning=

Answer 2

• The acquisition, learning, retrieval and encoding of information in the central nervous system

Question 3

What are the differences between how long we store memory’s

Answer 3

• Short term= fractions of seconds
• Working memory= seconds to minutes
• Long term- days to years

Question 4

Why is forgetting a key part of memory?

Answer 4

• Because there is limited space in the CNS.

Question 5

Where are short- and long-term memories formed.

Answer 5

• Short term memories are formed in the hippocampus. Involves long term potentiation.
• Long term memories are formed in wide distribution in cortex. Involves gene activation

Question 6

What is a pathophysiological side to forgetting?

Answer 6

Amnesia. There are two parts to this:
- Anterograde- Inability to form new memory’s
- Retrograde- loss of storage of old memory’s

Question 7

What is long term potentiation.

Answer 7

• Is a physiological manifestation of how memories encoded. It describes a way in which we can change the behaviour of the tissue of the brain to form short term memories.

Question 8

Describe the cellular process of long-term potentiation.

Answer 8

• Neurons in the hippocampus change their behaviour depending on the pre-synaptic neurons.
• The pre-synaptic neurons are releasing glutamate into the hippocampus. This glutamate binds to AMPA receptors that then allow Na+ to enter the neuron, initiating post-synaptic response.
• If a larger amount of glutamate is released, NMDA receptors are activated which stimulates release of calcium which allow calcium ions to trigger changes in cellular activity.

Question 9

Describe changes in gene activation for long term memory.

Answer 9

• Within the post synaptic cell are NMDA receptors which have been activated by glutamate. The intracellular cascade within can activate CREB.
• CREB can change transcription of genes. Causing production of proteins associated with stabilising and strengthening synapse.
• This leads to neurogenesis in the hippocampus- production of more neurons involved in memory formation.

Question 10

What is memory consolidation.

Answer 10

• Process in the brain that converts short term memories into long ones.
• So short term memories are formed in the hippocampus then through process of consolidation pass back to cortex for long term storage.