Learning and Memory

Question 1

4 Processes of Memory

Answer 1

• Encoding - selection process of sensory info
• Consolidation - create persistent trace of information
• Storage - indefinitely
• Retrieval - revival of stored info

Question 2

Types of Memory

Answer 2

• Working/Short Term
• Reference/ Long Term
  • Declarative or Explicit (conscious)
    
    • Episodic -events
    • Semantic - facts
  • Non-declarative or Implicit (non conscious)
    
    • Procedural and conditioning

Question 3

Anatomy of Declarative Long Term Memory v. Non-Declarative

Answer 3

Cortico-limbo-diencephalic (declarative)

Cortico-striatal-thalamic (Non-declarative)

Question 4

Structures for Consolidation of Declarative

Answer 4

• Medial temporal lobes (hippocampus and para-hippocampal hyrus), rhinal cortices, anterior and dorsomedial nuclei of midline thalamic nuclei, mamillary bodies, basal forebrain (septal nuclei)
• Loss of cholinergic neurons in basal forebrain corresponds to early antegrade amnesia in Alzheimer’s
• Frontal Cortex - temporal context NOT spatial context of memory
• Hippocampus removal –> deficits in consolidation of new declarative memory BUT storage, retrieval and non-declarative consolidation fine

Question 5

Structures for Storage of Declarative

Answer 5

• At some point memories move from hippocampus to secondary sensory and association areas in cortex
  
  • Ex) prosopagnosia in Alzheimer’s
  • Specific - visual memories move to secondary visual areas

Question 6

Structures for Retrieval of Declarative

Answer 6

Frontal lobe (especially mid-ventrolateral prefrontal cortex) + some evidence that hippocampus is activated again

Question 7

Structures for Consolidation of Non-Declarative

Answer 7

• Caudate, putamen, basal ganglia, thalamic motor nuclei

- Also responsible for associating certain stimuli w/ response

Question 8

Structures for Storage of Non-Declarative

Answer 8

Pre-motor and supplementary motor cortices + primary motor areas

Question 9

Anatomy of Working Memory

Answer 9

• Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
  
  • L = more problems w/ verbal working memory
  • R = more problems w/ visuo-geometric working memory
  • **Impaired in Schizophrenia