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Preliminary studies of one drug, currently used to treat heart problems and anxiety, show that it seems to do just that. Researchers administered the drug, known as propranolol, to volunteers after they recalled a traumatic event. The drug appeared to subtly change the way they remembered the event: while they could still recall the details, the emotional response that normally accompanied the memory was dulled. Scientists haven't yet studied the effect of this drug on the brain with fMRI.
While it's not yet clear how the drug works, scientists believe it interferes with the way memories are stored after being recalled. Recent research has shown that memories are not set in stone. Unlike a video, every time a memory is "replayed," it needs to be organized and stored anew, making it vulnerable to change. "We believe during that process, some kind of interference occurs, and the memory is degraded," says Alain Brunet, a psychologist at McGill University, in Canada, who led the study, published last week in the Journal of Psychiatric Research. (The mechanism behind the memory reconsolidation process appears to be different than that behind memory suppression, but both involve reactivating the memory and then reshaping it in some way.)
While both studies are exciting, scientists caution that they are still far from clinical practice. In the case of propranolol, larger studies are needed to assess how well the treatment works and for how long. In the case of nondrug therapy, it's not yet clear whether the techniques used in the memory-suppression study will be applicable to trauma victims. "The effects are small, about 10 percent, so they are not on scale of what we imagine true clinical suppression of a traumatic event would have to be," says Gabrieli. "But that doesn't mean they don't give us hints. Making a patient 20 percent happier is significant."
Research in mice suggests that it might be possible to delete specific painful memories.
A specialized camera regularly takes pictures to aid with memory.
Quite interesting research.
Wait for the integration with nanotechnology in the future.
However, the ethic aspect of the research is still important, as erasing someone's memory is a little bit frightening (somewhat equivalent with controlling someone's thoughts, i think.). :)
I think the brain will only suppress memories which are not too traumatic. I suffer from severe ptsd and have tried everything from psychiatrists, medications, therapy and even emdr and hypnosis and nothing suppresses that which I pray my brain would forget. I also tried propranolel which does nothing.
Other researchers (check out Todd Sacktor, Andre Fenton and Yadin Dudai of SUNY and Rehovat) are working on erasing memories from prohibiting pkm zeta by applying a memory erasing molecule called ZIP. They have actually removed memories from the brain in rats. I beleive they are on the right track. However, probably still a long way off from selecting specific memories in the brain to delete (memories are too minute to see even with the best of scans and microscopy). However, if they can somehow accomplish this, I beleive it would be a novel cure for those such as myself with ptsd so bad that they suffer to a point where they can no longer function or contribute to society any longer. It would probably also delete the flashbacks and nightmares and depression which goes along with many mental illnesses. Probably even cure ocd, as they could delete the ocd thoughts which torment some people and maybe even addictions, if they could wipe out the memory of their addiction abuse.
As for me, I only wish they would hurry up and find a way to apply this procedure to the humans who really need it. I say this would be a great contribution to humanity, and cure many of the mentally ill. Let's do away with psychiatrists and medications which really don't help with severe cases and shut down the institutions and end the torture of ECT. Keep up the good work, Todd Sacktor, Andre Fenton, and Yadin Dudai., hats off to you.
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PapaSmurf
4 Comments
New Research of Old Natural Defense Mechanisms
Memory Suppression is a natural defense mechanism of the body applies in order to survive.
There is nothing new about it.
It is as old as life itself.
The real question is why do we remember?
Why must we remember? It serves to pay the taxes :-)
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