RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Durable memories and efficient neural coding through mnemonic training using the method of loci
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2020.04.29.067561
DO 10.1101/2020.04.29.067561
A1 Isabella C. Wagner
A1 Boris N. Konrad
A1 Philipp Schuster
A1 Sarah Weisig
A1 Dimitris Repantis
A1 Kathrin Ohla
A1 Simone Kühn
A1 Guillén Fernández
A1 Axel Steiger
A1 Claus Lamm
A1 Michael Czisch
A1 Martin Dresler
YR 2020
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2020/04/30/2020.04.29.067561.abstract
AB Mnemonic techniques, such as the method of loci, can powerfully boost memory. Here, we compared memory athletes ranked among the world’s top 50 in memory sports to mnemonics-naïve controls. In a second study, participants completed a six-weeks memory training, working memory training, or no intervention. Behaviorally, memory training enhanced durable, longer-lasting memories. fMRI during encoding and recognition revealed task-based activation decreases in lateral prefrontal, as well as in parahippocampal and retrosplenial cortices in both memory athletes and participants after memory training, partly associated with better performance after four months. This was complemented by hippocampal-neocortical coupling during consolidation, which was stronger the more durable memories participants formed. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that mnemonic training boosts durable memory formation via decreased task-based activation and increased consolidation thereafter. This is in line with conceptual accounts of neural efficiency and highlights a complex interplay of neural processes critical for extraordinary memory.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.