Dopamine and adaptive memory.
Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)
Memory is essential to adaptive behavior because it allows past experience to guide choices. Emerging findings indicate that the neurotransmitter dopamine, which signals motivationally important events, also modulates the hippocampus, a crucial brain system for long-term memory. Here we review recent evidence that highlights multiple mechanisms whereby dopamine biases memory towards events that are of motivational significance. These effects take place over a variety of timescales, permitting both expectations and outcomes to influence memory. Thus, dopamine ensures that memories are relevant and accessible for future adaptive behavior, a concept we refer to as 'adaptive memory'. Understanding adaptive memory at biological and psychological levels helps to resolve a fundamental challenge in memory research: explaining what is remembered, and why.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Shohamy, D; Adcock, RA
Published Date
- October 2010
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 14 / 10
Start / End Page
- 464 - 472
PubMed ID
- 20829095
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1879-307X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.tics.2010.08.002
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- England