The episodic engram transformed: Time reduces retrieval-related brain activity but correlates it with memory accuracy

• DOI: 10.1101/lm.025965.112
• Publication Date: 2012-11-16T03:44:03Z
• Authors: Orit Furman; Avi Mendelsohn; Yadin Dudai
• Keywords: Engram

We took snapshots of human brain activity with fMRI during retrieval realistic episodic memory over several months. Three groups participants were scanned a test either hours, weeks, or months after viewing documentary movie. High recognition accuracy hours decreased weeks and remained at similar levels In contrast, BOLD in retrieval-related set areas correctly remembered events was but significantly declined Despite this reduction, regions positively correlated only Hippocampal engagement time recall recognition. Our results are line the hypothesis that hippocampus subserves real-life long encoding, its being dependent on demands. Furthermore, our findings suggest engrams transformed into parsimonious form capable supporting accurate crux events, arguably critical goal memory, minimal network activation.