Journal Article

Memory editing from science fiction to clinical practice

Hofmann, Stefan G., Phelps, Elizabeth A.

2019

Overview

Science fiction notions of altering problematic memories are starting to become reality as techniques emerge through which unique memories can be edited. Here we review memory-editing research with a focus on improving the treatment of psychopathology. Studies highlight two windows of memory vulnerability: initial storage, or consolidation; and re-storage after retrieval, or reconsolidation. Techniques have been identified that can modify memories at each stage, but translating these methods from animal models to humans has been challenging and implementation into clinical therapies has produced inconsistent benefits. The science of memory editing is more complicated and nuanced than fiction, but its rapid development holds promise for future applications. A Review of advances in memory-editing techniques in humans suggests that these techniques are advancing beyond science fiction and could hold promise for translation into clinical practice.

• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group UK,Nature Publishing Group
• Subject: 631/378/1595/2638 / 706/689/477/2811 / Analysis / Animal cognition / Animal models / Animals / Clinical medicine / Clinical psychology / Editing / Emotions / Encoding (Memory) / Forecasts and trends / Humanities and Social Sciences / Humans / Influence / Memory / Memory - physiology / Memory Consolidation - physiology / Mental Recall - physiology / Models, Animal / multidisciplinary / Portrayals / Psychopathology / Psychopathology - methods / Psychopathology - trends / Review / review-article / Science / Science (multidisciplinary) / Science fiction / Science fiction & fantasy / Systematic review / Technology application / Translational Medical Research - methods / Translational Medical Research - trends