Enhancement of Human Memory: Single neuron recordings and stimulation in the medial temporal lobe

Conférence organisée par l’Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière.

Présentation

The medial temporal lobe (MTL) is central to the transformation of percepts into lasting memories that can be consciously recollected in the future.  Yet the neuronal code underlying this transformation in humans remains unclear. Recordings from neurons within the brain and focal stimulation in patients implanted with electrodes for clinical reasons provide an opportunity to bridge physiology with cognition. Recent evidence illustrates several striking properties of neurons in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex associated with encoding of information, free recall and spatial navigation.  Furthermore, electrical stimulation applied at the entorhinal region during encoding of information., may enhance future memory of this information. The use of these findings in development of potential cognitive neuroprosthetic devices will be discussed.