Neural circuits of memory consolidation and generalisation

Abstract

Memories of lifetime experiences, events and facts are thought to be acquired through part of the brain region termed hippocampus. These memories are very distinct when they form initially. However, in due course of time after their formation, these memories become less specific. This process of losing specificity and being able retrieve a memory at the presentation of cues that are related, though not necessarily the same as the one that was initially used, is termed generalisation. In this review, first we propose a modification to the categorisation of memories based on lifetime of memories and then proceed forward to introduce the idea of memory consolidation at various scales and their relevance to generalisation. We conclude by reviewing some of the recent pertinent methodologies and their basis in performing these studies.