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Commentary — reconsolidation

Memory involves far more than 'consolidation'

Nature Reviews Neuroscience volume 1, pages 214–216 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

The observation that retrieval returns a stable memory into a labile state cannot be readily explained by any simple version of consolidation theory. This finding has been interpreted as evidence for the need to reconsolidate a memory after reactivating it. However, as we discuss in this commentary, other behavioural observations indicate that even this modification to consolidation theory may be insufficient to describe the dynamic properties of memory.

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Acknowledgements

Support for the preparation of this manuscript was provided by the National Institute of Mental Health. Thanks are due to Cantey Land and Steven Stout for their comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, 13902-6000, New York, USA

    Ralph R. Miller

  2. the Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, 08854-0820, New Jersey, USA

    Louis D. Matzel

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  1. Ralph R. Miller
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  2. Louis D. Matzel
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Correspondence to Ralph R. Miller.

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Miller, R., Matzel, L. Memory involves far more than 'consolidation'. Nat Rev Neurosci 1, 214–216 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35044578

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