Recent research on sleep has revealed that a noninvasive method of stimulating the brain can improve memory enhancement. These results were published in JNeurosci and received full funding from the Department of Defense of the … Read more
Recent research on sleep has revealed that a noninvasive method of stimulating the brain can improve memory enhancement. These results were published in JNeurosci and received full funding from the Department of Defense of the United States. The aim of the study was to further the comprehension of how memories are strengthened and to investigate methods by which the process of memory consolidation could be utilized to boost memory abilities in both healthy individuals and patients.
Scientists believe that the transfer of memories from the hippocampus to the neocortex is probably enabled by synchronization of these parts of the brain during sleep. This transfer is vital for long-term storage of memories, and since they believe it occurs during sleep, they are looking for a way to enhance this process overnight and potentially improve memory function. Researchers Nicholas Ketz, Praveen Pilly, and other scientists at the University of New Mexico have come up with a technique that will somehow enhance the process of neural replay, and they manage to do it with a unique stimulation system that perfectly matches the phase and frequency of ongoing slow-wave oscillations during sleep.
Participants of the study received brain stimulation overnight and were tested in the morning. The test consisted of a visual discrimination task in which participants had to detect threatening and potentially dangerous hidden objects and people in a specific environment (such as snipers and explosive devices). The group that received overnight brain stimulation performed better. More interesting is that they kept showing improved performance the next day, even if they didn’t receive brain stimulation the previous night. Scientists believe this is an example of an integration of recent experience into long-term and general memory.
Findings have provided a proven method for enhancing memory consolidation during sleep, and further research aims to optimize and maximize stimulation in future applications.
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