Discussion 6

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What is long-term potentiation (LTP)? Provide one line of evidence to demonstrate its role in memory formation. Long term potentiation (LTP) is a process by which synaptic connections between neurons become stronger with frequent activation (Neuroscientifically Challenged, 2018). Researchers pose that LTP is a way that the brain changes in response to experience which strengthens the idea that LTP may be involved in learning and memory (Neuroscientifically Challenged, 2018). Additionally, LTP increases the effectiveness of synapses connections between neurons (New York University, 2013). Scientists have identified specific receptors, N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA) and AMPA receptors that are involved in LTP. Higher levels of activation by stimuli allows for an influx of calcium which helps to bring additional AMPA receptors to the synapse allowing for increased levels of glutamate (Neuroscientifically Challenged, 2018). This phase of LTP is thought to be the basis of short term memory. The case study of HM has formed the basis for much of our understanding of human memory, but Scoville and Milner's paper described 9 other patients. What evidence suggests that hippocampal lesions are the cause of the memory problems described in their research? Are there any other methodologies that we can use to find the same results? If so, explain one method to support your answer. While the case study of HM created the basis for the understanding of human memory, the nine other patients reported on in Scoville and Milner’s 1957 paper substantiated the idea that hippocampal lesions are linked to problems with memory. Specifically, these lesions result in the inability to lay new memories, while retaining early memories, technical skills, personality, and general intelligence (Scoville & Milner, 1957). This finding supports that the hippocampus’ role is specific to particular memory processes involved primarily in remembering new information. The patients reported on within this paper who experienced bilateral medial temporal-lobe resections extensive enough to damage portions of the hippocampus experienced disturbance in their ability to remember information to which they were recently exposed (Scoville & Milner, 2957). In other words, lesions to the hippocampus ultimately result in short term memory impairment. With this range of consistent results in various patients, the claim that hippocampal lesions are a cause of memory disturbances is largely corroborated. While the study of brain lesions led researchers in the proper direction to ascertain areas of the brain responsible for memory, it is possible to use other methodologies to find the same results in the future. For example, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows noninvasive stimulation of the brain. This technique is used to cause a ‘virtual brain lesion’ without lasting damage so that researchers can explore the impacts on memory and other brain functions when certain areas are impaired (Lyons et al., 2012). TMS could therefore be used to create a virtual brain lesion in the hippocampal area of the brain while the subject undergoes similar tests given to patients with actual hippocampal lesions in order to determine the impact of these lesions on memory without lasting damage to the subject. What's better: A memory that records objectively and accurately, or a memory that can be updated to support newer levels of understanding? A memory that can be updated to support newer levels of understanding is more beneficial. In today’s world, there are vast amounts of information that require interpretation, encoding, and storing. It has

been previously found that the hippocampus will trigger a prediction error experience. This means that when information presented does not match what we remember as reality, we sense this signal as surprise (University of Toronto, 2021). In a recent study, it was discovered that this sense of surprise switches the mode of the hippocampus from one of memory preservation to one of memory updation (University of Toronto, 2021). The experience of a prediction error creates a chance for the hippocampus to correct mistakes or add new information to our existing memories. Without a memory that can be updated we would not be able to correctly learn new information. Proactive interference refers to the phenomena when something previously learned impairs the ability to remember something learned more recently (Neath & Surprenant, 2015). An example of this is having difficulty remembering a friend’s new last name after they have gotten married because their old last name is the one dominantly remembered. Lyons, M., Harrison, N., Brewer, G., Robinson, S., & Sanders, R. (2012). Biological Psychology. Learning Matters. http://ezproxy.umgc.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1641765&site=eds-live&scope=site&profile=edsebook Neath, I., & Surprenant, A. M. (2015). Proactive interference. In International encyclopedia of the social & behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Elsevier Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-097086-8.51054-X Neuroscientifically Challenged. (2014, March 14). 2-Minute neuroscience: Long-term potentiation (LTP) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mHgPfXHzJE&t=119s New York University. (2013, January 4). Brain and behavior - learning and memory: Neural mechanisms [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hq7UVQrGrQ&t=1921s Scoville, W. B., & Milner, B. (1957). Loss of recent memory after bilateral hippocampal lesions. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 20(1), 11-21. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.20.1.11 University of Toronto. (2021, December 17). Researchers reveal how our brains update memories when recollections are proven wrong. https://www.utoronto.ca/news/researchers-reveal-how-our-brains- update-memories-when-recollections-are-proven-wrong

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