Time to Rethink the Reconsolidation Theory of Memory?

An influential theory about the malleability of memory comes under scrutiny in a new paper in the Journal of Neuroscience. The 'reconsolidation' hypothesis holds that when a memory is recalled, its molecular trace in the brain becomes plastic. On this view, a reactivated memory has to be 'saved' or consolidated all over again in order for it to be stored. A drug that blocks memory formation ('amnestic') will, therefore, not just block new memories but will also cause reactivated memories to be forgotten, by preventing reconsolidation. This theory has generated a great deal of research interest and has led to speculation that blocking reconsolidation could be used as a tool to 'wipe' human memories. However, Gisquet-Verrier et al. propose a fundamental re-evaluation of the whole phenomenon. They propose that amnestic drugs don't in fact block reconsolidation, but instead add an additional element to a reactivated memory trace. This additional element ...