Steffen Gais: Getting Declarative Memory into the Neocortex: What Is the Function of Sleep?

Abstract

The idea of complementary learning systems requiring systems memory consolidation has influenced our ideas of memory storage in the brain for a long time. Its main proposition is that we have a fast learning hippocampal memory system and a slow learning neocortical memory system and that there is a slow transfer of information between both. In recent fMRI stdies, evidence has emerged showing that the neocortex is able to acquire episodic and semantic information quickly within one learning session. Here, I will present such data and discuss how these findings affect our understanding of the interaction between memory systems in sleep and wakefulness.

About the speaker and his research

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