Sleep-dependent memory consolidation in the light of rapid neocortical plasticity. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pöhlchen, Dorothee; Schönauer, Monika
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in behavioral sciences. Volume 33(2020)
• Page Start: 118
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2020.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-1546

Abstract

Highlights: Active systems memory consolidation proposes a sleep-dependent dialogue between an initial hippocampal and a long-term neocortical store. Novel approaches to image and manipulate consolidation question the strict distinction in storage sites and the timescale of systems involvement. Recent studies show rapid neocortical plasticity and propose an active role for the thalamus. We discuss how these findings shape our understanding of systems consolidation and the role of sleep therein. Abstract : Systems memory consolidation describes a gradual process which shifts the dependence of memories from rapidly plastic hippocampal networks to slower-learning neocortical regions for ultimate long-term storage. Sleep is thought to be crucial for this reorganization. Research over the recent years, however, has discovered rapid neocortical plasticity, and thus questions not only the timescales on which systems consolidation occurs, but also the role of sleep therein. At the same time, new ways to manipulate neural activity have furthered our understanding of how different brain areas interact during sleep and have clarified the relevance of this night-time interchange for systems consolidation. Together, these findings suggest that we need to rethink the "wheres" and "whens" of sleep-dependent memory processing.