Memories Can Be 'Lost And Found' Study Suggests

First Posted: Aug 04, 2015 11:46 AM EDT
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New findings published in the journal Nature Communications reveal that memories can indeed be lost and found.

Researchers at Cardiff University in Wales have found that certain reminders could help prompt memory clues once thought to result in total memory loss in rats.

"Our research found that despite using a technique in the brain thought to produce total amnesia we've been able to show that with strong reminders, these memories can be recovered," lead study author Dr Kerrie Thomas, said in a news release.

The researchers noted how they are hopeful with future studies that they could rescue lost memories or even bury bad ones, potentially paving the way for new drugs and treatments for those with bad memory problems.

Those suffering from memory issues can include such mental health issues as Alzheimer's, those who've suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or a range of mental health issues, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and psychosis.

Though Dr. Thomas acknowledged that more research is needed, she added that "This is an exciting prospect in terms of treating psychiatric illness associated with memory disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and psychosis. We can now devise new drugs or behavioural strategies that can treat these memory problems in the knowledge that we won't overwrite our experiences."

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