Learning and memory [chapter]

Anna-katharine Brem, Kathy Ran, Alvaro Pascual-leone
2013 Handbook of Clinical Neurology  
INTRODUCTION A fairly large number of studies to date have investigated the nature of learning and memory processes in brain-injured and healthy subjects with noninvasive brain stimulation (NBS) methods. NBS techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can alter brain activity in targeted cortical areas and distributed brain networks. The effects depend on the stimulation parameters. TMS and tDCS can be used to interfere with
more » ... oing brain activity ("virtual lesion") and thus help to characterize brain-behavior relations, give information about the chronometry of cognitive processes, and reveal causal relationships. Particularly in real-time combination with electroencephalography (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), TMS and tDCS are valuable tools for neuropsychological research. They offer the combination of interference methods (TMS, tDCS) with techniques to record ongoing brain activity with high temporal (EEG) and spatial (MRI) resolution. This can: (1) shed unique insights into physiological and behavioral interactions, and (2) test, refine, and improve cognitive models; and (3) might ultimately lead to better neurorehabilitative methods. The main goals of research with NBS in learning and memory have been to: (1) identify underlying neuropsychological processes and neurobiological components; (2) find out how this knowledge can be used to diagnose and restore dysfunctions of learning and memory in various patient populations; and (3) assess the use of NBS for enhancement purposes in healthy subjects. In the present chapter, we first review and define memory and learning processes from a neuropsychological perspective. Then we provide a systematic and comprehensive summary of available research that investigates the neurobiological substrates of memory and aims to improve memory functions in patient populations, as well as in healthy subjects. Finally, we discuss methodological considerations and limitations, as well as the promise of the approach.
doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-53497-2.00055-3 pmid:24112934 pmcid:PMC4248571 fatcat:xgnntahdergq7ov3ooj4irjvt4