Mysterious Mechanisms of Memory Formation: Are the Answers Hidden in Synapses?

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 11; no. 9; p. e5795
• Main Authors: Joshi, Viraj V, Patel, Nishita D, Rehan, Muhammad Awais, Kuppa, Annapurna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palo Alto Cureus Inc 28.09.2019; Cureus
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease; Brain research; Clinical trials; Data collection; Memory; Nervous system; Neurology; Neurons; Neurosciences; Psychiatry; United States > US; California
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.5795

After decades of research on memory formation and retention, we are still searching for the definite concept and process behind neuroplasticity. This review article will address the relationship between synapses, memory formation, and memory retention and their genetic correlations. In the last six decades, there have been enormous improvements in the neurochemistry domain, especially in the area of neural plasticity. In the central nervous system, the complexity of the synapses between neurons allows communication among them. It is believed that each time certain types of sensory signals pass through sequences of synapses, these synapses can transmit the same signals more efficiently the following time. The concept of Hebb synapse has provided revolutionary thinking about the nature of neural mechanisms of learning and memory formation. To improve the local circuitry for memory formation and behavioral change and stabilization in the mammalian central nervous system, long-term potentiation and long-term depression are the crucial components of Hebbian plasticity. In this review, we will be discussing the role of glutamatergic synapses, engram cells, cytokines, neuropeptides, neurosteroids and many aspects, covering the synaptic basis of memory. Lastly, we have tried to cover the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders due to synaptic dysfunction. To enhance pharmacological interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, we need more research in this direction. With the help of technology, and a better understanding of the disease etiology, not only can we identify the missing pieces of synaptic functions, but we might also cure or even prevent serious neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD).