Memory reconsolidation

Reactivation of long-term memories triggers a state of transient memory instability. Memory reconsolidation refers to the processes by which those memories are re-stabilized. Memory reconsolidation has been extensively studied in the last decade, with most of the work being conducted in animals. This chapter focuses on human memory reconsolidation. In human studies, researchers have either attempted to directly impair the reconsolidation process through physiological manipulations, or have assessed how the presentation of new or conflicting information affects reactivated memories. For a variety of memory paradigms, it has been demonstrated that the reactivation of long-term memories triggers a labile state during which these memories can be modulated or updated with new information.