Forgetting: Not a Flaw, But a Brain’s Hidden Feature of Memory
Published in Memory.
Summary: Recent studies suggest that forgetting might not just be a mere oversight of our brains, but a dynamic response to our changing environments. Neuroscientists propose that as environments shift, forgetting irrelevant memories can foster adaptability and better decision-making.
Experiments revealed that even after certain memories in mice seemed forgotten, they could be retrieved with the right cues. This breakthrough understanding about the nature of memory could have major implications, especially for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Key Facts:
Forgetting might be a strategic feature of the brain to adapt to ever-changing environments.
In experiments with mice, ‘lost’ memories could be revived with the right triggers or new related experiences.
Understanding the reversible nature of “natural forgetting” might offer insights into diseases like Alzheimer’s.
https://neurosciencenews.com/forgetting-memory-engrams-23784/