Radersma, Judith (2020) Changing Negative Memories into Positive Memories. Bachelor, Social Sciences.
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Abstract
Memory engrams are the neurons that are involved in one specific memory. They are activated during the consolidation and recall of the memory. Research in rodents has shown that through artificial activation of those engrams, negative or fearful memories can be altered into positive memories. Researchers reactivated the engram of a negative memory while putting the rat in a positive environment. When reactivating the engram after this manipulation, the rats responded with approach behaviour where they showed freeze behaviour previously. This thesis deals with the question whether it is possible to achieve this in humans. Based on the current literature, the human engram is not yet found on a cell-level, which is necessary to perform artificial manipulations on the engram. Alternative experiments are proposed which rely on a natural reactivation of memories. The general idea of reactivating negative memories in a positive environment could be used for therapeutic interventions. Further research in locating engrams and behavioural manipulations are needed before this approach could be used.
| Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Major: | Social Sciences |
| Supervisor: | May, C.J. |
| Datum van aanlevering: | 09 Jul 2020 14:28 |
| Last modified: | 09 Jul 2020 14:28 |
| URI: | http://ucg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/63 |
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