Resting state networks and memory consolidation

Albert, N. B., Robertson, E. M. , Mehta, P. and Miall, R. C. (2009) Resting state networks and memory consolidation. Communicative and Integrative Biology, 2(6), pp. 530-532. (doi: 10.4161/cib.2.6.9612) (PMID:20195459) (PMCID:PMC2829828)

Abstract

Despite their name, resting state networks (RSNs) provide a clear indication that the human brain may be hard-working. Unlike the cardiac and respiratory systems, which greatly reduce their rate of function during periods of inactivity, the human brain may have additional responsibilities during rest. One particularly intriguing function performed by the resting brain is the consolidation of recent learned information, which is known to take place over a period of several hours after learning. We recently reported that resting state brain activity is modulated by recent learning. We measured the brain activity using functional MRI during periods of rest that preceded and followed learning of a sensorimotor task, and found a network of brain areas that changed their resting activity. These areas are known to be involved in the acquisition and memory of such sensorimotor tasks. Furthermore, the changes were specific to a task that required learning, and were not found after motor performance without learning. Here we discuss the implications and possible extensions of this work and its relevance to the study of memory consolidation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: <br>This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust (069439, R.C.M.) and by the US National Institutes of Health (R01 NS051446, E.M.R.).</br> Addendum to: Albert NB, Robertson EM, Miall RC. The resting human brain and motor learning. Curr Biol 2009; 12:1023–7; PMID: 19427210; DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2009.04.028.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Robertson, Professor Edwin
• Authors: Albert, N. B., Robertson, E. M., Mehta, P., and Miall, R. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Communicative and Integrative Biology
• Publisher: Landes Bioscience
• ISSN: 1942-0889
• ISSN (Online): 1942-0889
• Published Online: 01 November 2009
• Copyright Holders: © 2009 Landes Bioscience
• First Published: First published in Communicative and Integrative Biology 2(6):530-532
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a creative commons license