Researchers from UCLA Health and Tel Aviv University have discovered evidence supporting the theory that the brain enhances memory during sleep. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, focused on epilepsy patients using targeted deep-brain stimulation, which resulted in improved memory consolidation. The research found that during deep sleep, a dialogue occurs between the hippocampus, responsible for memory, and the cerebral cortex, linked to higher cognitive functions. This interaction plays a crucial role in converting new information into long-term memories.
The innovative study involved electrical stimulation delivered via a closed-loop system synchronized to brain activity, improving recall of paired celebrity and animal images. Participants showed enhanced performance on memory tests after a night with stimulation compared to a night without. The study provides crucial insights into the brain’s memory processes and offers potential treatments for memory disorders. Study co-author Itzhak Fried anticipates that future research could focus on modulating specific memories, building on his previous work demonstrating that electrical stimulation can strengthen memory. This collaboration between institutions received support from various funding bodies, marking a significant step in understanding and potentially improving memory function during sleep.
