reconsolidation
Strengthening recalled memories
Reconsolidation is the process of consolidating something again—restoring unity or stability after fragmentation.
In neuroscience, it refers specifically to memory reconsolidation: when a recalled memory becomes temporarily unstable and must be re-stored, potentially in altered form.
This process suggests memories aren't fixed recordings but are subtly rewritten each time we retrieve them: Therapists may use reconsolidation to help patients reframe traumatic memories.
Nerve signal crossing point
- neuroplasticityBrain's self-rewiring ability
- hippocampusMemory formation region
- neurotransmittersChemical neural messengers
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
neural circuits · protein synthesis · amygdala · cortical · axon · dendrite · neuromodulation · neuronal
Memory retrieval act
- retrievalAct of getting back
- reactivationRestoring to function
- destabilizationCausing loss of stability
- restabilizationBecoming secure again
updating · modification · lability · forgetting · reminiscence · amnesia · autobiographical · episodic
Lasting psychological wound
- PTSDChronic reaction to horrific events
- exposure therapyAnxiety treatment through confrontation
- emotional processingHandling feelings internally
- integrationCombining into a whole
psychotherapy · treatment · anxiety · phobia · addiction · intervention · behavioral · reprocessing
Making something current
- revisionAltering to improve
- relearningGaining back lost knowledge
- retrieval practiceStudying through self-testing
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
integration · schema · adaptation · flexibility · new information · memory enhancement · correction · incorporation
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- neuroplasticityBrain's self-rewiring ability
- hippocampusMemory formation region
- neurotransmittersChemical neural messengers
glutamate · neural circuits · protein synthesis · amygdala · cortical · axon · dendrite · neuromodulation · neuronal · brain structure
recall
Memory retrieval act
- retrievalAct of getting back
- reactivationRestoring to function
- destabilizationCausing loss of stability
restabilization · updating · modification · lability · forgetting · reminiscence · amnesia · autobiographical · episodic · declarative
trauma
Lasting psychological wound
- PTSDChronic reaction to horrific events
- exposure therapyAnxiety treatment through confrontation
- emotional processingHandling feelings internally
integration · psychotherapy · treatment · anxiety · phobia · addiction · intervention · behavioral · reprocessing · EMDR
updating
Making something current
- revisionAltering to improve
- relearningGaining back lost knowledge
- retrieval practiceStudying through self-testing
interference · integration · schema · adaptation · flexibility · new information · memory enhancement · correction · incorporation · strengthening
reconsolidationforgetting
Failing to retain memories
memory decay · extinction · amnesia · memory loss · destabilization
reconsolidationencoding
Converting data to format
acquisition · retrieval · recall · learning · first exposure