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Organizing memories for generalization in complementary learning systems
Weinan Sun1, Madhu Advani2, Nelson Spruston1
1Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA.
Nature Neuroscience
|July 20, 2023
Summary
Systems consolidation transfers memories from the hippocampus to the neocortex. This study proposes memories only consolidate when generalization is improved, explaining partial memory transfer and enhancing adaptive behavior.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Memorization and generalization are key for adaptive behavior, relying on systems consolidation.
- The reasons for partial memory consolidation from the hippocampus to the neocortex remain unclear.
- Existing models do not fully explain the selective nature of systems consolidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a neural network model of systems consolidation.
- To investigate the tension between memory transfer and generalization.
- To propose a normative principle for selective memory consolidation.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel neural network formalization of systems consolidation.
- Analyzed the trade-offs between neocortical memory transfer and generalization.
- Formulated a hypothesis that consolidation is optimized for generalization.
Main Results:
- Unregulated memory transfer can lead to overfitting and unpredictable generalization errors.
- Postulated that memories consolidate only if it benefits generalization.
- The model explains partial hippocampal-cortical memory transfer.
Conclusions:
- Generalization-optimized systems consolidation offers a principle for selective memory transfer.
- This framework reconciles memorization and generalization within complementary learning systems.
- Provides new insights into adaptive behavior and memory consolidation mechanisms.
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