Non-linear susceptibility to interferences in declarative memory formation

Abstract

After encoding, memories go through a labile state followed by a stabilization process known as consolidation. Once consolidated they can enter a new labile state after the presentation of a reminder of the original memory, followed by a period of re-stabilization (reconsolidation). During these periods of lability the memory traces can be modified. Currently, some studies show a rapid stabilization after 30 min, while others show that stabilization occurs after longer periods (e.g. > 6 h). Here we investigate the effect of an interference treatment on declarative memory consolidation, comparing distinct time intervals after acquisition. On day 1, participants learned a list of non- syllable pairs (List 1). 5 min, 30 min, 3 h or 8 h later, they received an interference list (List 2) that acted as an amnesic agent. On day 2 (48 h after training) participants had to recall List 1 first, followed by List 2. We found that the List 1 memory was susceptible to interference when List 2 was administered 5 min or 3 h after learning but not when it was administered 30 min or 8 h after. We propose the possibility that this rapid memory protection could be induced by a fast and transient neocortical integration. Our results open a discussion about the contribution of molecular and systemic aspects to memory consolidation.

Gabaergic Modulation in the Formation of Declarative Memory and Face Recognition

“…Declarative memories are not protected against interference after a unique time window during the first 24 hours. On the contrary there are several time windows of susceptibility (Moyano et al, 2022). Furthermore, it has been shown in rodents that around 12 hours after training there is a temporal window related to memory persistence (Bekinschtein et al, 2007;Bekinschtein et al, 2008, Bekinschtein et al, 2010.…”