Electric Memory
Until recent years, the mechanics
of human memory have remained rather mysterious. However, new advances and
research in neuroscience have greatly improved the understanding of memory processes.
A February 2018 New York Times
article detailed the new invention of a brain implant designed to improve
memory function in its users, created by scientists at the University of
Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University. The device is still being refined
and is not yet commercialized, but could be extremely beneficial to those
suffering from age-related memory issues. The implant sends electrical impulses
through deeply imbedded electrodes only when the brain is having a difficult
time encoding memories and other various memory functions, and creates no
stimulation when the user’s brain is functioning normally.
Utilizing electric stimulation to improve memory is not a
new concept. Joel Voss, a professor of the interdisciplinary neuroscience
program as well as a researcher at Northwestern University, has completed
extensive research pertaining to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and
its effects on memory ability. TMS induces an electrical current in axons,
allowing for specific activation of cranial areas. However, deep structures
such as the hippocampus are unable to be reached with current TMS technology. In
Voss’s work, it was found that when used on older adults with declining memory,
TMS therapy significantly improved item and source recognition as well as source
memory. Such effects remained relatively better during follow-up memory testing
one week later.
While both Voss and the researchers
who developed the brain implant incorporate the use of electrical stimulation,
they differ in certain capacities. Since TMS is unable to reach important
memory areas such as the hippocampus, Voss focused on stimulating the general
hippocampal-cortical network. As a result, its effects on memory are relatively
short-term. With a surgically implanted device, such cortical areas will be
much easier to directly stimulate. A “cognitive prosthetic” will be able to create
more long-lasting effects on memory processes, which in turn holds off many
symptoms of pathological aging for a much longer period of time.
Although the technology cannot
reverse memory decay, its use will be of great assistance to patients of
Alzheimer’s and others who are experiencing serious memory loss illnesses, as
well as their caregivers. The process of turning the device into a marketable
and affordable one takes a decent amount of time and testing. However, despite
this setback and the many other unknowns yet to be discussed, the prospect of a
cognitive implant gives hope to many families and is a worthwhile endeavor.
Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/12/health/memory-dementia-brain-implants.html
Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/12/health/memory-dementia-brain-implants.html
I think that once this technology is underlined as safe and accessible to those who need it, it can become a great phenomenon. I've read several articles regarding brain memory implants. I understand that this is concerning encoding so it can be useful to those with dementia. However, since this is a brain implant how would it work when a person is sleeping? I'm assuming it would be active since sleep is a crucial part of creating new memories. I wonder if this could potentially help someone remember their dreams in detail. It is good that you pointed out that this device does not reverse memory decay and overall this was a great article. I think it would be helpful to further analyze the possible negatives that this technology could have. Getting these electrical impulses in the exact location that is needed is probably a difficult task and maybe even risky. However, for those who have had failed treatments and medications, it is something that can change their lives.
ReplyDeleteI think that this article is extremely interesting. The thought or belief that the brain is like a muscle in the sense that you have to 'work it' to improve the desired function is outlined here with memory as the example. I wonder how much this device could help both with other illnesses like PTSD. If the device can help you remember, I wonder if it could be tweaked to help people who suffered traumatic events 'forget' or cope with the memory more. I think this technology, once safe and approved, will be a great option for people who are suffering from memory disorders if other, less invasive treatments fail.
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