Memory enhancement and deep-brain stimulation of the entorhinal area.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The medial temporal structures, including the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, are critical for the ability to transform daily experience into lasting memories. We tested the hypothesis that deep-brain stimulation of the hippocampus or entorhinal cortex alters memory performance.

Methods

We implanted intracranial depth electrodes in seven subjects to identify seizure-onset zones for subsequent epilepsy surgery. The subjects completed a spatial learning task during which they learned destinations within virtual environments. During half the learning trials, focal electrical stimulation was given below the threshold that elicits an afterdischarge (i.e., a neuronal discharge that occurs after termination of the stimulus).

Results

Entorhinal stimulation a

SUBMITTER: Suthana N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3447081 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature