Retrograde amnesia: temporal gradient in very long term memory following electroconvulsive therapy
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 10, 1975
Summary
Electroconvulsive treatments can cause retrograde amnesia, affecting recent memories more than older ones. This suggests memory consolidation strengthens over years, offering protection against amnesic treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Retrograde amnesia is a memory impairment affecting past events.
- Electroconvulsive treatments (ECT) are used for severe depression.
- The temporal dynamics of ECT-induced amnesia require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the temporal gradient of retrograde amnesia following ECT.
- To investigate the long-term consolidation of memory.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel remote memory test.
Main Methods:
- A newly designed remote memory test was employed.
- Patients undergoing ECT for depression were evaluated.
- Memory recall was assessed at different time points before ECT.
Main Results:
- A temporal gradient of retrograde amnesia was observed.
- Memories from up to 3 years prior to ECT were impaired.
- Memories from 4 to 17 years prior to ECT remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Memory consolidation is a gradual process that strengthens over years.
- Older memories exhibit increased resistance to amnesic treatments like ECT.
- The neural basis of memory undergoes changes over time, enhancing resistance.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Long-term Depression
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
01:03Long-term Depression
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or playing an...
01:20Traumatic Memory
Emotionally traumatic events often lead to memories that are exceptionally vivid and enduring, sometimes persisting with remarkable clarity throughout an individual's life. A classic example of this phenomenon is a person who survives a car accident. Even years later, they may recall every detail of the event with startling accuracy — the screeching of the tires, the jarring impact, and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Such vividness contrasts sharply with how an individual remembers mundane...
01:13Amnesia
Amnesia is a condition marked by long-term memory loss, which impairs the ability to recall past events or create new memories.
The severity and duration of memory loss vary depending on the type and underlying cause. Amnesia is classified into two main types: retrograde and anterograde.
Retrograde amnesia is marked by the loss of memories formed before the onset of the condition. Patients may recall distant past events but often forget those occurring shortly before the incident.
Anterograde...
The severity and duration of memory loss vary depending on the type and underlying cause. Amnesia is classified into two main types: retrograde and anterograde.
Retrograde amnesia is marked by the loss of memories formed before the onset of the condition. Patients may recall distant past events but often forget those occurring shortly before the incident.
Anterograde...
01:30Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early years,...