ABSTRACT

Systems consolidation theory (SCT) proposes that the hippocampus is not required for retrieval of remote memories. In this issue, Tallman and colleagues observe reduced hippocampal-cortical connectivity in recognition memory as a function of memory age, which they interpret as supportive of SCT. We suggest that research seeking to inform this debate would benefit from using perceptually rich stimuli that promote the recollection of high-fidelity contextual details. Tests of recognition alone may not be capable of discerning whether reductions in hippocampal activity or connectivity reflect remote memory retrieval independent of hippocampus (consistent with SCT) or a time-dependent decline in episodic detail.

摘要

系统整合理论 (SCT) 提出海马体不是检索远程记忆所必需的。在本期杂志中，Tallman 及其同事观察到识别记忆中海马-皮层连接性的降低是记忆年龄的函数，他们将其解释为支持 SCT。我们建议，寻求为这场辩论提供信息的研究将受益于使用促进对高保真上下文细节的回忆的感知丰富的刺激。单独的识别测试可能无法辨别海马体活动或连接性的减少是否反映了独立于海马体的远程记忆检索（与 SCT 一致）或情节细节的时间依赖性下降。