Thesis
The unique role of time in autobiographical memory consolidation
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jan 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000936
Abstract
One of the enduring mysteries of cognitive neuroscience is the representation of time as an aspect of memory. Time is an essential feature of autobiographical memory consolidation within the brain. When brain lesions result in retrograde amnesia, memories are lost in a time ordered fashion - from the time of the lesion in the present back in time toward the past. Memories also recover from the past toward the present. Time is a major construct ordering memory search. Memories form the basis for structuring subjective time constructions. The aim of this research project was to examine the unique role of time in the consolidation and retrieval of autobiographical episodic memories. The project utilized participant supplied photos representing four temporally discrete autobiographical memories as recall cues in a functional MRI paradigm. Participants were 20 +/- 6 months years of age. The results supported a decrease in consolidation processes over time with recall for older memories showing less medial temporal lobe activation and more neocortical activation for more recent memories. There was also greater connectivity between and within neocortical association areas and the medial temporal lobe for older versus recent memories. This study contributes to the literature on the organization of episodic memory storage within the brain. Understanding the organization of episodic memories can advance the academic study of memory by providing a common framework for memory progression and impact the clinical care of patients with memory disorders by providing therapeutic targets for recovery.
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Details
- Title
- The unique role of time in autobiographical memory consolidation
- Creators
- Kellie McWilliams
- Contributors
- Nancy Raitano Lee (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 38 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991016457358704721