Memory dynamics under stress

Abstract

Stressful events have a major impact on memory. They modulate memory formation in a time-dependent manner, closely linked to the temporal profile of action of major stress mediators, in particular catecholamines and glucocorticoids. Shortly after stressor onset, rapidly acting catecholamines and fast, non-genomic glucocorticoid actions direct cognitive resources to the processing and consolidation of the ongoing threat. In parallel, control of memory is biased towards rather rigid systems, promoting habitual forms of memory allowing efficient processing under stress, at the expense of "cognitive" systems supporting memory flexibility and specificity. In this review, we discuss the implications of this shift in the balance of multiple memory systems for the dynamics of the memory trace. Specifically, stress appears to hinder the incorporation of contextual details into the memory trace, to impede the integration of new information into existing knowledge structures, to impair the flexible generalisation across past experiences, and to hamper the modification of memories in light of new information. Delayed, genomic glucocorticoid actions might reverse the control of memory, thus restoring homeostasis and "cognitive" control of memory again.

The ever-changing engram: towards an integrated understanding of long-term memory dynamics

“…Three papers in this Special Issue target other aspects of memory dynamics that have recently become a central focus in human memory research: factors that affect memory consolidation during sleep (Seibold, Rasch, Born, & Diekelmann, 2017), the effects of retrieval on long-term accuracy of event memories (Marcotti & St. Jacques, 2017), and the immediate and delayed effects of stress on various memory processes (Quaedflieg & Schwabe, 2017).…”

“…Marcotti and St. Jacques's conclude that visual perspective shifts can transform memories and outline the implications of their findings for forensic and clinical settings. Quaedflieg and Schwabe (2017) review the immediate and delayed effects of stress on memory formation, modification and retrieval. Stressful events trigger the release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids which modulate processing in brain areas associated with memory functions, particularly the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.…”

Where I was and how I will prove it

“…When a suspect changes the alibi or the supportive evidence, it should not be treated as an indication of deceit as it is according to today's standard . Memory errors can occur, especially when a suspect experiences stress (Quaedflieg & Schwabe, 2017), or a suspect can have a reason to lie about the initial alibi. Therefore, potential alterations in the alibi should be examined and…”

“…Third, being questioned by the police can be a stressful event for innocent suspects (Guyll et al, 2013) and stress can impair the retrieval of information (Quaedflieg & Schwabe, 2017), which makes it even more difficult to accurately reconstruct an alibi. When a suspect is only provided with a time cue in the interview (where were you on date X at time Y?…”

“…From research it is known that the recollection of memories under stress can be impaired (Quaedflieg & Schwabe, 2017;Schonfeld, Ackermann, & Schwabe, 2014;Schwabe, Joels, Roozendaal, Wolf, & Oitzl, 2012;Smeets, Otgaar, Candel, & Wolf, 2008;Wolf, 2009). Given that fact, and taking into account the moderate memory an innocent suspect will have for a random event, the chance of an inconsistent alibi increases.…”