The rediscovery of memory reconsolidation has brought the attention of many investigators to this field because the findings that a stabilized memory can return to a labile state have changed the way we view long-term memory formation and storage. Furthermore, it has provided important information for potentially developing novel therapeutic interventions for psychopathologies as well as cognitive impairments. As with all discoveries that change previous beliefs, many conclusions and interpretations about the novel data have been subjected to a great deal of debates and controversies. However, the studies on memory reconsolidation have undoubtedly led to the understanding that the processes of memory formation and storage are exquisitely dynamic. Elucidating the mechanisms and temporal dynamics of the biological changes that accompany memory encoding, storage, and retrieval is key to understanding many brain functions. In this chapter, we summarize studies from our laboratory that investigated the mechanisms and functions of memory reconsolidation using the inhibitory avoidance task in rats. Based on the results of these studies, we propose the conclusions that memory reconsolidation contributes to a lingering consolidation process and that memory is a highly dynamic process. We then discuss how we can use the knowledge acquired about memory reconsolidation to develop new therapies for weakening maladaptive memories and enhancing memories to combat cognitive decline.

本作は、記憶が不変の記録であるという神話を打ち砕き、想起のたびに書き換えられる「動的な生命体」であることを鮮烈に示します。著者が提示する知の革命は、自己が固定された遺物ではなく、絶えず変容し続ける可能性の塊であることを教えてくれるのです。 その背後にあるのは、痛ましい過去を編み直し、絶望を希望へと転換しようとする切実な祈りです。記憶の再凝固を紐解く筆致は、魂の地図を再構築するような高揚感に満ちています。人生を定義し直したいと願う全ての人へ、本書は真なる再生の道標を提示するでしょう。