10. Beyond Hippocampus: The Unified Theory of Memory Consolidation

 The importance of memory consolidation, as the stage through which unstable and short-lived memories become stabilized and long-term ones, has always been an area that attracted both attention and research. The classical point of view thought that the consolidation is a chronological process, the one in which the hippocampus plays the leading role. But the most recent research has given a unified theory that provides a new position about consolidation of memories in the brain.

According to the unified theory, memory consolidation involves two main processes: local consolidation and the systems consolidation. Local consolidation is the result of fast learning and is a manifestation of the strengthening of communication between neurons in a particular area of the brain like the hippocampus and the neo-cortex. This mechanism is vital in initial memory, or newly acquired memory, encoding and it underlies the temporary memory, or short-term memory, storage.

From systems consolidation, however, one should not expect an instant process instead it is a long-term one. This is the process of hippocampal transfer of memories to the neocortex where they become less dependent on the hippocampus and thus can be retrieved more easily, in turn allowing the memories to become more stable while reducing their chances of disruption.

source:https://news.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/iStock-neurons_2500.jpg 

One of the important features in the unified hypothesis is the function of the hippocampus in regulating the consolidation process. The hippocampus initially stores memories and then gradually transfers them to the neocortex for long-term retention. This process is primarily enabled by the re-activation of the hippocampus during the retrieval which emphasizes retracing the memory traces in the neocortex.

The theory also defines the phenomenon of reconsolidation which occurs when memories are temporally unsettled and then re-stabilized during the process of recall. The unified theory states that reconsolidation happens when the hippocampus reactivates memory traces in the neocortex to give them a chance to integrate the new synapse into older connections.

In conclusion, the unified theory gives a comprehensive concept of how memories are consolidated in the brain. The researchers, working to understand the mechanism of memory consolidation, aim at gaining insights into how memories are formed, retained and recalled. This may provide with means for treating memory related disorders and improving the learning and memory abilities in the future.