How are 'Strong' Memories Formed?

Some memories can be remembered for decades, whereas some disappear quickly. The secret of the memory timeline can be explained by the scientific observation that reveals strong and long-lasting memories are formed by a group of neurons that send signals in synchrony.    

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How is memory formed?

Different brain regions are involved in the formation and storage of memories, which can be categorized as explicit memory (long-term memory), implicit memory (long-term memory), and working memory (short-term memory).

Explicit memory is formed when a specific event happens (episodic); in addition, general facts and information are stored as explicit memory (semantic). The brain regions involved in the formation and storage of explicit memory are the hippocampus, neocortex, and amygdala. The episodic memory is formed and indexed in the hippocampus for future use.

The neocortex receives temporarily stored memories from the hippocampus as general knowledge. Amygdala is involved in increasing the strength of memories, as well as adding emotions (love, joy, sorrow, disgrace, etc.) to the memories. Also, the amygdala is involved in forming new fear-related memories.

The interplay between the hippocampus, neocortex, and amygdala plays an important role in shaping the permanency of memories.

Implicit memory is a type of procedural memory that cannot be remembered consciously. The implicit memory helps perform automatic motor skills, such as riding a bicycle or playing a musical instrument. The brain regions involved in implicit memory include the basal ganglia and cerebellum.

Working memory is a short-term memory that is formed to hold a small quantity of information for a short period, such as recalling a phone number. The prefrontal cortex is involved in forming working memory.     

What is the basis of memory permanency?

Unlike short-term memories, some memories can be stored in the brain permanently and can be recalled for decades. In this context, a recent study involving bilateral microendoscope-implanted transgenic mice has revealed that synchronized signal transmission from a group of neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus is responsible for forming strong and stable memories.     

In the study, an experimental mouse was placed in an enclosed maze marked with specific symbols on the wall. Sugar water was used as a reward for the mouse to facilitate the training and learning processes. The activity of specific hippocampal neurons that are known to form memories for places was measured when the mouse was exploring the maze.

In the beginning, the mouse was moving randomly until it found the sugar water. When the mouse noticed the symbol placed next to the sugar water, activation of individual neurons occurred.

Over time, the mouse became familiar with the maze and remembered the sugar water location. At this point, the researchers noticed that multiple neurons were activated in synchrony every time the mouse came across a symbol. These findings indicate that synchronized activation of a group of neurons is required for forming long-term memories.

The researchers have also studied how memories disappear. To do that, the mouse was taken out of the maze for 20 days and placed again into the same maze after the break. The mouse that formed stable memories during the previous experiment was found to remember the task rapidly.

In addition, the researchers have found that even though some of the neurons became silent or damaged or changed the activity level, the mouse was still capable of remembering the place and performing the task.     

Take-home message

To form stable and long-lasting memories, it may be more important to increase the number of memory-encoding neurons rather than improve neural connections, in contrast to what was previously believed.

This new observation on memory consolidation can significantly impact the studies directed toward developing new treatments to prevent memory loss, which can occur during the aging process or can be associated with certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

In this context, therapeutic interventions designed to enhance the activation of a higher number of memory-encoding neurons can be very effective in treating memory loss.

Further Reading

• All Neurology Content
• What is Neurology?
• What is the Difference between Neurology and Neuroscience?
• What is Neuroscience?
• What is Neurosurgery?

Written by

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta is a science communicator who believes in spreading the power of science in every corner of the world. She has a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree and a Master's of Science (M.Sc.) in biology and human physiology. Following her Master's degree, Sanchari went on to study a Ph.D. in human physiology. She has authored more than 10 original research articles, all of which have been published in world renowned international journals.