How memory works: A new study on social memory

Lots of people suffer from memory decline or loss, especially later in life, when they become older.

Scientists try to find new ways of protecting people's memories, or even bringing them back.

A new study has made it easier to understand how memories actually work.

How it was studied

As many Americans face memory loss from disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, it's crucial to understand how the brain works for better treatments.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that the cerebellum, a part of the brain, plays a key role in social recognition memory. 

This type of memory helps people remember others they've met before. 

Loss of recognition memory is common in neurodegenerative disorders, making it important to understand how the brain handles this function. 

Dr. Yi-Mei Yang, an associate professor, emphasizes that this understanding is a vital step toward developing targeted therapies. 

Why it's important

The study showed that the cerebellum is involved in recalling social information by activating the part of the brain linked to emotions and thinking. 

Future research will involve monitoring cerebellum-brain interactions during social recognition tasks in real time.
 

• Related news:
• research
• memory
• brain
• 15 November 2023

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