18 Aug Deep Sleep Required to Reset Memory Neurons

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Oliva

Azahara Oliva PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Neurobiology and Behavior
Cornell University

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: The background is that we knew for a while now that neurons work hard to consolidate into memories each experience that we have during the day. But at the same time, it is known that sleep restore activity of our body and physiology. How was that possible? How can the neurons in our brain “work hard” during the time that we are supposed to be restoring our vitals? We found that in between their hard work, during sleep, our neurons take “breaks of activity” so our brain can build memories with precision.

MedicalResearch.com: Does the brain-resetting malfunction as we lose short term memory ability with age?

Response: Just like many other physiological aspects of our body, our neural circuits lose precision with age. It is possible that the precision between “working hard” and “taking breaks” of our memory system gets compromised with age, we don’t know this yet, but are on our way to find out.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response:  Our memory system works hard during sleep, but it is dynamic, it is not a continuous workout but rather a series of workouts with intermingled breaks. For this to properly work, it is required a proper deep sleep.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Before we move into how these neural circuits work during detrimental memory conditions, it is necessary to understand how the details translate to humans. Mammals have largely preserved neural circuits, but the rules that humans use to memorize experiences can be very different from those in other animals.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Before we move into how these neural circuits work during detrimental memory conditions, it is necessary to understand how the details translate to humans. Mammals have largely preserved neural circuits, but the rules that humans use to memorize experiences can be very different from those in other animals.

No disclosures.

Citation: Karaba LA, Robinson HL, Harvey RE, Chen W, Fernandez-Ruiz A, Oliva A. A hippocampal circuit mechanism to balance memory reactivation during sleep. Science. 2024;385(6710):738-743. doi: 10.1126/science.ado5708

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Last Updated on August 18, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD