Knowledge is power: prior knowledge aids memory formation for both congruent and incongruent events, but in different ways.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Greve ◽  
Elisa Cooper ◽  
Roni Tibon ◽  
Richard Henson
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
World Knowledge ◽  
Apparent Paradox ◽  
Power Prior

Events that conform to our expectations, i.e, are congruent with our world knowledge or schemas, are better remembered than unrelated events. Yet events that conflict with schemas can also be remembered better. We examined this apparent paradox in four experiments, in which schemas were established by training ordinal relationships between randomly-paired objects, while episodic memory was tested for the number of objects on each trial. Better memory was found for both congruent and incongruent trials, relative to unrelated trials, producing memory performance that was a “U-shaped” function of congruency. Furthermore, the incongruency advantage, but not congruency advantage, emerged even if the information probed by the memory test was irrelevant to the schema, while the congruency advantage, but not incongruency advantage, also emerged after initial encoding. Schemas therefore augment episodic memory in multiple ways, depending on the match between novel and existing information.

The interaction of working memory performance and episodic memory formation in patients with Korsakoff's amnesia

2012 ◽  
Vol 1433 ◽  
pp. 98-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie van Geldorp ◽  
Heiko C. Bergmann ◽  
Johanna Robertson ◽  
Arie J. Wester ◽  
Roy P.C. Kessels
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Formation

scholarly journals Effects of Left Inferior Prefrontal Stimulation on Episodic Memory Formation: A Two-Stage fMRI—rTMS Study

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Köhler ◽  
Tomáš; Paus ◽  
Randy L. Buckner ◽  
Brenda Milner
Keyword(s):  
Recognition Memory ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Frameless Stereotaxy ◽  
Successful Recovery ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
Semantic Encoding ◽  
Brain Behavior

Successful recovery of words from episodic memory relies strongly on semantic processes at the time of encoding. Evidence from several functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies has shown that changes in neural activity in the left inferior prefrontal cortex (LIPFC) during semantic encoding predict subsequent memory performance. This evidence has been taken to suggest that LIPFC plays a critical role in memory formation. Functional neuroimaging findings, however, do not establish a causal brain-behavior relationship. To determine whether there is a causal link between LIPFC involvement at encoding and subsequent success in memory performance, we conducted a two-part study in which we first used fMRI to localize encoding-related activation in LIPFC and then employed repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to manipulate neural processes in LIPFC during semantic encoding. To demonstrate the neuroanatomical specificity of any observed effect and to control for nonspecific rTMS side effects, we also stimulated neural processes in two control sites. Using frameless stereotaxy, we positioned the stimulation coil to target (1) the LIPF region that was activated during fMRI (mean xyz = −48 35 5); (2) the homologous righthemisphere region; and (3) an additional left parietal control site. At each site, “stimulated” items (600 msec of 7-Hz rTMS with Cadwell Round Coil) were intermixed with items presented without concurrent stimulation. Subsequently, subjects performed a recognition memory task for the words encountered. We found support for the predicted causal brain-behavior relationship, which was specific to LIPFC. When comparing recognition scores for stimulated items, normalized for variations in performance on nonstimulated trials, we found that words encoded under LIPFC stimulation were subsequently recognized with higher accuracy than words encoded under stimulation in the two cortical control sites. By contrast, no performance difference emerged when the two control sites were compared with each other. Based on additional analyses of the rTMS effects observed directly at the time of encoding (i.e., on semantic-decision performance), we suggest that LIPFC stimulation may have produced its effect on recognition memory, at least in part, through the triggering of more extensive processing of the stimulated items and an ensuing gain in item distinctiveness. Physiological processes of facilitation probably also contributed to the observed memory benefit. Together, these findings suggest that LIPFC does play a causal role in episodic memory formation.

scholarly journals Disentangling the roles of neocortical alpha/beta and hippocampal theta/gamma oscillations in human episodic memory formation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. Griffiths ◽  
María Carmen Martín-Buro ◽  
Bernhard P. Staresina ◽  
Simon Hanslmayr
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Information Representation ◽  
Gamma Phase ◽  
Beta Power ◽  
Alpha Beta ◽  
Phase Amplitude ◽  
Hippocampal Theta

AbstractEpisodic memory formation relies on at least two distinct capabilities: 1) our ability to process a vast amount of sensory information, and 2) our ability to bind these sensory representations together to form a coherent memory. The first process is thought to rely on a reduction in neocortical alpha/beta power, while the second is thought to be supported by hippocampal theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling. However, most studies investigating human episodic memory use paradigms where the two cognitive capabilities overlap. As such, empirical support for the distinction of the two associated neural phenomena is lacking. Here, we addressed this by asking seventeen human participants (11 female, 6 male) to complete a sequence-learning paradigm that temporally separated information representation from mnemonic binding, while MEG recordings were acquired. We found that a decrease in neocortical alpha/beta power during the perception of the sequence correlated with enhanced memory performance. Similar power decreases during mnemonic binding, however, had no bearing on memory formation. In contrast, an increase in hippocampal theta/gamma phase-amplitude coupling during mnemonic binding correlated with enhanced memory performance, but similar coupling during sequence perception bared no relation to later memory performance. These results demonstrate that alpha/beta power decreases and hippocampal theta/gamma phase-amplitude coupling represent two temporally dissociable processes in episodic memory, with the former relating to information representation while the latter relates to mnemonic binding.

scholarly journals Not what U expect: Effects of Prediction Errors on Episodic Memory.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Ortiz-Tudela ◽  
Sophie Nolden ◽  
Francesco Pupillo ◽  
Isabelle Ehrlich ◽  
Iryna Schommartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Prediction Errors ◽  
Apparent Paradox ◽  
Episodic Encoding ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
The One ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Strength Of Association

The characterization of the relationship between predictions and one-shot episodic encoding poses an important challenge for memory research. On the one hand, events that are compatible with our previous knowledge are thought to be remembered better than incompatible ones. On the other hand, unexpected situations, by virtue of their surprise, are known to cause enhanced learning. Several theoretical accounts try to solve this apparent paradox by conceptualizing prediction error (PE) as a continuum ranging from low PE (for expectation matching events) to high PE (for expectation mismatching ones). Under such framework, the relationship between PE and memory encoding would be described by a U-shape function with higher memory performance for extreme levels of PE and lower memory for middle levels of PE. In this study we used a gradual manipulation of the strength of association between scenes and objects to render different levels of PE and then tested for episodic memory of the (mis)matching events. In two experiments, and in contrast to what was anticipated, recognition memory as a function of PE followed an inverted U-shape, with higher performance for intermediate levels of PE. Furthermore, in two additional experiments we showed the relevance of explicit predictions at encoding to reveal such inverted U pattern, thus providing the boundary conditions of the effect. We discuss our current findings in the light of the uncertainty in the environment and the importance of the operations underlying encoding tasks.

scholarly journals Single-trial Phase Entrainment of Theta Oscillations in Sensory Regions Predicts Human Associative Memory Performance

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danying Wang ◽  
Andrew Clouter ◽  
Qiaoyu Chen ◽  
Kimron L. Shapiro ◽  
Simon Hanslmayr
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Auditory Cortex ◽  
Associative Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Memory Representation ◽  
Relative Timing ◽  
Single Trial ◽  
Phase Offset

AbstractEpisodic memories are rich in sensory information and often contain integrated information from different sensory modalities. For instance, we can store memories of a recent concert with visual and auditory impressions being integrated in one episode. Theta oscillations have recently been implicated in playing a causal role synchronizing and effectively binding the different modalities together in memory. However, an open question is whether momentary fluctuations in theta synchronization predict the likelihood of associative memory formation for multisensory events. To address this question we presented movies and sounds with their luminance and volume modulated at theta (4 Hz), with a phase offset at 0° or 180° with respect to each other. This allowed us to entrain the visual and auditory cortex in a synchronous (0°) or asynchronous manner (180°). Participants were asked to remember the association between a movie and a sound while having their EEG activity recorded. Associative memory performance was significantly enhanced in the synchronous (0°) compared to the asynchronous (180°) condition. Source-level analysis demonstrated that the physical stimuli effectively entrained their respective cortical areas with a corresponding phase offset. Importantly, the strength of entrainment during encoding correlated with the efficacy of associative memory such that small phase differences between visual and auditory cortex predicted a high likelihood of correct retrieval in a later recall test. These findings suggest that theta oscillations serve a specific function in the episodic memory system: Binding the contents of different modalities into coherent memory episodes.Significance StatementHow multi-sensory experiences are bound to form a coherent episodic memory representation is one of the fundamental questions in human episodic memory research. Evidence from animal literature suggests that the relative timing between an input and theta oscillations in the hippocampus is crucial for memory formation. We precisely controlled the timing between visual and auditory stimuli and the neural oscillations at 4 Hz using a multisensory entrainment paradigm. Human associative memory formation depends on coincident timing between sensory streams processed by the corresponding brain regions. We provide evidence for a significant role of relative timing of neural theta activity in human episodic memory on a single trial level, which reveals a crucial mechanism underlying human episodic memory.

Age moderation of the association between negative subsequent memory effects and episodic memory performance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Pruitt ◽  
Lingfei Tang ◽  
Jessica Hayes ◽  
Noa Ofen ◽  
Jessica S. Damoiseaux
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Recognition Task ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Memory Effects ◽  
Age Related

Negative subsequent memory effects in functional MRI studies of memory formation, have been linked to individual differences in memory performance, yet the effect of age on this association is currently unclear. To provide insight into the brain systems related to memory across the lifespan, we examined functional neuroimaging data acquired during episodic memory formation and behavioral performance from a memory recognition task in a sample of 109 participants, including three developmental age groups (8-12, 13-17, 18-25 year-olds) and one additional group of older adults (55-85 year-olds). Young adults showed the highest memory performance and strongest negative subsequent memory effects, while older adults showed reduced negative subsequent memory effects relative to young adults. Across the sample, negative subsequent memory effects were associated with better memory performance, and there was a significant interaction between negative subsequent memory effects and memory performance by age groups. Posthoc analyses revealed that this effect was driven by a strong association between negative subsequent memory effects and memory performance in adolescents and young adults, but not in children and older adults. These findings suggest that negative subsequent memory effects may differentially support memory performance across a lifespan trajectory characterized by developmental maturation and age-related deterioration.

scholarly journals Learning by insight as a potential strategy to improve memory encoding in older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin M. Kizilirmak ◽  
Larissa Fischer ◽  
Justus Krause ◽  
Joram Soch ◽  
Anni Richter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Recognition Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Equal Proportion ◽  
Similar Frequency

Several cognitive functions show a decline with advanced age, most prominently episodic memory. Problem-solving by insight represents a special associative form of problem-solving that has previously been shown to facilitate long-term memory formation. Recent neuroimaging evidence suggests that the encoding network involved in insight-based memory formation is largely hippocampus-independent. This may represent a potential advantage in older adults, as the hippocampus is one of the earliest brain structures to show age-related volume loss and functional impairment. Here, we investigated the potential beneficial effects of learning by insight in healthy older (60-79 years) compared to young adults (19-28 years). To this end, we compared later memory performance for verbal riddles encoded incidentally via insight-like induced sudden comprehension in both age groups. We employed a variant of the Compound Remote Associate Task (CRAT) for incidental encoding, during which participants were instructed to judge the solvability of items. In a 24-hour delayed surprise memory test, participants attempted to solve previously encountered items and additionally performed a recognition memory test. During this test, older adults correctly solved an equal proportion of new items compared to young adults and both age groups reported a similar frequency of Aha! experiences. While overall memory performance was better in young participants (higher proportion of correctly solved and correctly recognized old items), older participants exhibited a stronger beneficial effect of insight on later recognition memory for previously presented items. Our results thus show that learning via insight might constitute a promising approach to improve memory function in old age.

scholarly journals Learning by Insight-Like Sudden Comprehension as a Potential Strategy to Improve Memory Encoding in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin M. Kizilirmak ◽  
Larissa Fischer ◽  
Justus Krause ◽  
Joram Soch ◽  
Anni Richter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Recognition Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Equal Proportion ◽  
Similar Frequency

Several cognitive functions show a decline with advanced age, most prominently episodic memory. Problem-solving by insight represents a special associative form of problem-solving that has previously been shown to facilitate long-term memory formation. Recent neuroimaging evidence suggests that the encoding network involved in insight-based memory formation is largely hippocampus-independent. This may represent a potential advantage in older adults, as the hippocampus is one of the earliest brain structures to show age-related volume loss and functional impairment. Here, we investigated the potential beneficial effects of learning by insight in healthy older (60–79 years) compared to young adults (19–28 years). To this end, we compared later memory performance for verbal riddles encoded incidentally via induced insight-like sudden comprehension in both age groups. We employed a variant of the Compound Remote Associate Task (CRAT) for incidental encoding, during which participants were instructed to judge the solvability of items. In a 24-h delayed surprise memory test, participants attempted to solve previously encountered items and additionally performed a recognition memory test. During this test, older adults correctly solved an equal proportion of new CRA items compared to young adults and both age groups reported a similar frequency of Aha! experiences. While overall memory performance was better in young participants (higher proportion of correctly solved and correctly recognized old CRA items), older participants exhibited a stronger beneficial effect of insight-like sudden comprehension on later recognition memory for CRA items. Our results suggest that learning via insight might constitute a promising approach to improve memory function in old age.

Positive Arousal Enhances the Consolidation of Item Memory

2015 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Wang
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Consolidation ◽  
Source Memory ◽  
Emotional Arousal ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Learning Phase ◽  
Item Memory ◽  
Memory Tests ◽  
Immediate Memory

Emotional arousal induced after learning has been shown to modulate memory consolidation. However, it is unclear whether the effect of postlearning arousal can extend to different aspects of memory. This study examined the effect of postlearning positive arousal on both item memory and source memory. Participants learned a list of neutral words and took an immediate memory test. Then they watched a positive or a neutral videoclip and took delayed memory tests after either 25 minutes or 1 week had elapsed after the learning phase. In both delay conditions, positive arousal enhanced consolidation of item memory as measured by overall recognition. Furthermore, positive arousal enhanced consolidation of familiarity but not recollection. However, positive arousal appeared to have no effect on consolidation of source memory. These findings have implications for building theoretical models of the effect of emotional arousal on consolidation of episodic memory and for applying postlearning emotional arousal as a technique of memory intervention.

Impact of Comorbid Depression on Serial Position Effects in Alzheimer’s Disease

GeroPsych ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nienke A. Hofrichter ◽  
Sandra Dick ◽  
Thomas G. Riemer ◽  
Carsten Schleussner ◽  
Monique Goerke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Serial Position ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Word List ◽  
Position Effects ◽  
Serial Position Effects ◽  
List Memory

Hippocampal dysfunction and deficits in episodic memory have been reported for both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Primacy performance has been associated with hippocampus-dependent episodic memory, while recency may reflect working memory performance. In this study, serial position profiles were examined in a total of 73 patients with MDD, AD, both AD and MDD, and healthy controls (HC) by means of CERAD-NP word list memory. Primacy performance was most impaired in AD with comorbid MDD, followed by AD, MDD, and HC. Recency performance, on the other hand, was comparable across groups. These findings indicate that primacy in AD is impaired in the presence of comorbid MDD, suggesting additive performance decrements in this specific episodic memory function.

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