Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
15:57
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Memory-Enhancing Effect of Emotion
Published on: May 4, 2011
Sex-related differences in amygdala activity influences immediate memory
Deane E Aikins1, Alan Anticevic, Kent A Kiehl
1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, USA. deane.aikins@yale.edu
Neuroreport
|January 23, 2010
Summary
The amygdala
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The amygdala's role in long-term memory is well-established.
- Its contribution to immediate memory remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate amygdala activation during emotional picture viewing.
- Determine if this activation predicts immediate recognition memory performance.
- Examine sex differences in amygdala responses and memory accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 1.5-T.
- Exposure to emotional pictures.
- Immediate recognition memory test.
- Analysis of amygdala activation and false-positive error rates.
Main Results:
- Amygdala responses to unpleasant pictures predicted immediate memory performance.
- Sex differences observed in the relationship between right amygdala activation and false-positive errors for unpleasant pictures.
- Men showed lower false-positive rates with increased right amygdala activation; women showed higher rates.
Conclusions:
- Amygdala activation during viewing unpleasant images may enhance immediate recognition memory in men more than in women.
- Highlights potential sex-specific neural mechanisms in immediate memory processing.
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