1. BHS 499-07 Memory and Amnesia Neuroscience of Memory

2. Neurons Memory consists of a change in the structure of neurons that leads to increased likelihood of firing. Review of neural structure: CD 2.1 first slide, 2.2 action potential Long-term Potentiation (LTP) – both short and long-term changes in the brain CD 13.2 & 13.3 (consolidation)

6. A Blind Alley McConnell (1962) – cut up planaria (flatworms) and fed them to other worms who showed the same learning. McConnell thought memories were encoded in the RNA, not just the neurons. By eating the RNA, the attributes were passed on to another being (or person). His results were not replicated (not true).

7. Larger Structures Semantic memory is structured based on shared meaning, not prior associations. Similar concepts in terms of meaning are stored closer to each other. Semantic “closeness” is metaphoric, based on response times. Activation spreads to related items. A great deal of repeated use moves items from episodic to semantic memory.

19. Influences on Memory Alcohol – Bits & Pieces Stress -- Kolb & Whishaw Seg 32 (CD 2) Diabetes – Kolb & Whishaw Ch 13 Seg 6 (CD 3)