Unveiling the Mathematical Theory Behind Memory Consolidation in the Brain

Researchers at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus and UCL propose a new theory of systems consolidation, suggesting that memories are consolidated in the neocortex only if they improve generalization. This mathematical neural network theory challenges the classical view that all memories move from the hippocampus to the neocortex over time. The amount of consolidation depends on how much of a memory can be generalized, rather than its age. The researchers used neural networks to reproduce experimental patterns that couldn't be explained by the classical view. Further experiments will test the theory's ability to predict memory consolidation and explore how the brain distinguishes predictable and unpredictable components of memories. Understanding memory consolidation can have implications for cognition, human health, and artificial intelligence.