Emotional Memory – Pathophysiology and Clinical Associations

Czech version

Authors: I. Mokrišová ¹; M. Vališ ²; J. Hort ^1,3
Authors‘ workplace: Kognitivní centrum, Neurologická klinika 2. LF UK a FN v Motole, Praha ¹; Oddělení urgentní medicíny, FN Hradec Králové ²; Mezinárodní centrum klinického výzkumu, FN u sv. Anny v Brně ³
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2012; 75/108(5): 546-551
Category: Review Article

Overview

The amygdala is the main structure involved in emotional memory. This independent memory system is linked to emotional events and interacts with other brain structures (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus), affecting final memories. Emotional memory is a non--declarative memory but relates to and cooperates with declarative memory. In some pathological states, characterized by amygdalar atrophy and dysfunction, a variety of changes have been reported, including memory deficits of both systems, behavioral changes and reduced attention span. This results in reduced patient quality of life and a greater burden on caregivers. This applies, for example, to patients with Alzheimer’s disease as they have great difficulty with emotional face recognition.

Key words:
emotional memory – amygdala – memory deficits – Alzheimer‘s disease

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