2008 — 2010 |
Ritchey, Maureen |
F31Activity Code Description: To provide predoctoral individuals with supervised research training in specified health and health-related areas leading toward the research degree (e.g., Ph.D.). |
Neuroimaging of Emotional Association Formation and Subsequent Effect On Memory
[unreadable] DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A number of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have demonstrated that interactions between the amygdala and medial temporal lobe (MTL) memory system predict subsequent memory for emotionally-arousing but not neutral stimuli. These results are typically thought to reflect the modulatory influence of arousal on consolidation for emotional information. In addition, emotional stimuli benefit from improvements in semantic and perceptual processing, which should likewise facilitate memory encoding. Few studies, however, have investigated how the functional networks driving these encoding and consolidation benefits might also impact memory for neutral stimuli that have been temporally or conceptually associated with emotional stimuli. We seek to address these issues by, first, delineating the contribution of semantic processing and its neural correlates to emotional memory within a levels-of processing paradigm (Specific Aim 1). Second, we aim to evaluate whether arousal-driven enhancements in consolidation confer subsequent memory benefits to temporally-proximate neutral stimuli by testing memory for neutral stimuli that are preceded or followed by an arousing stimulus (Specific Aim 3). Finally, we seek to unite these two aims by investigating how semantic elaboration during encoding might additionally facilitate associations between emotional and neutral information (Specific Aim 3). We therefore propose a series of fMRI investigations that will elucidate how semantic encoding and arousal-mediated consolidation enhance memories for emotional stimuli as well as associated neutral stimuli. We expect that increased semantic encoding demands will recruit a functional network including the amygdala and lateral inferior prefrontal cortex, and that this network will act in conjunction with the amygdala-MTL network to support the formation of emotional associations and their subsequent memory benefits. The proposed research program will integrate the sciences of brain and behavior to clarify the interaction of emotion and memory. By addressing this interaction, we lay the groundwork for deeper understanding of disorders associated with disturbances in both affect and memory, such as depression and post- traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, this line of research might reveal a naturally-occurring mechanism by which "ordinary" memories can be enhanced-via the influence of arousal or by becoming imbued with emotional salience themselves. [unreadable] [unreadable] [unreadable]
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0.97 |
2015 — 2018 |
Ritchey, Maureen |
K99Activity Code Description: To support the initial phase of a Career/Research Transition award program that provides 1-2 years of mentored support for highly motivated, advanced postdoctoral research scientists. R00Activity Code Description: To support the second phase of a Career/Research Transition award program that provides 1 -3 years of independent research support (R00) contingent on securing an independent research position. Award recipients will be expected to compete successfully for independent R01 support from the NIH during the R00 research transition award period. |
Emotional Modulation of Human Memory Processes and Corticohippocampal Systems @ University of California At Davis
? DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Emotion has complex effects on episodic memory, enhancing certain aspects of memory, such as item recognition, but not other forms of memory, such as memory for context. Yet, the mechanisms underlying these phenomena are poorly understood. In general, episodic memories depend on the integrity of neural structures within the medial temporal lobes. These structures are heterogeneous in both their connectivity with other cortical areas as well as their function, raising the question of whether there are two distinct cortico- hippocampal systems. The amygdala-known to mediate emotion effects on memory- is differentially connected with these systems, leading to the proposal that emotional memory effects can be explained in terms of differential modulation of cortico-hippocampal systems. The proposed research will address these questions by using a combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). These methods will allow investigation of how emotion influences activity in cortical and hippocampal regions and alters the oscillatory signatures of memory processes. During the mentored phase of this proposal, the candidate will gain new training in high-resolution fMRI and EEG/ tACS. These skills will permit inquiry into individual hippocampal subfields and the causal relationship between frontal theta oscillations and context memory. During independent phase of this proposal, the candidate will use these methods to test novel predictions about the roles of cortico-hippocampal systems and theta oscillations in driving emotional memory phenomena. This independent line of research effectively integrates the skills obtained during the mentored period with concepts developed during the candidate's doctoral training at Duke University, which focused on the neural processes supporting emotional memory. Her graduate research resulted in multiple publications and a strong background in neuroimaging methods. The candidate's early postdoctoral work has focused on developing and testing the dual systems framework, thus gaining new expertise in the neuroscience of basic memory processes. During the mentored phase of this proposal, the candidate will capitalize on this background to obtain new training in other advanced methods in cognitive neuroscience. The research environment at UC Davis is optimal for the mentored phase of this proposal. UC Davis has committed substantial resources to cognitive neuroscience research, including state- of-the-art imaging facilities. The co-mentors have extensive experience in the neuroscience of human memory, as well as in the methods proposed here. UC Davis also offers several courses and seminars related to translational research as well as career development; participation in these activities will prepare the candidate for an independent research career relevant to the public health mission of the NIH. The candidate's long-term goals are to secure an independent faculty position at a major research university. The proposed research and training plan is essential to helping achieve these goals.
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