Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2026

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection
Published on: August 26, 2011
Memory enhancement for emotional stimuli is impaired in early Alzheimer's disease
S B Hamann1, E S Monarch, F C Goldstein
1Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. shamann@emory.edu
Abstract:
Emotional arousal is associated with enhanced memory in neurologically intact individuals, but it is unknown whether this effect is obtained in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The current study compared emotional memory and emotional reactions in patients with early AD and in older controls. Participants viewed emotionally arousing (both pleasant and unpleasant) and neutral photographs while cognitive and electrophysiological reactions were assessed. Memory was tested by free recall and recognition. Emotional reactions were normal in the AD group, but the emotional memory effect (enhanced memory for emotional vs. neutral stimuli) was impaired. Recall results indicated that this effect was normal for pleasant stimuli but abnormal for unpleasant stimuli. These results suggest that the neural basis for the emotional memory effect may be disrupted in AD. Findings are discussed in terms of the role of the amygdala in mediating emotional memory.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Traumatic Memory
Role of Amygdala in Memory
One of the...
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

