title: Puzzling thoughts for H. M.: can new semantic information be anchored to old semantic memories?
abstract: Researchers currently debate whether new semantic knowledge can be learned and retrieved despite extensive damage to medial temporal lobe (MTL) structures. The authors explored whether H. M., a patient with amnesia, could acquire new semantic information in the context of his lifelong hobby of solving crossword puzzles. First, H. M. was tested on a series of word-skills tests believed important in solving crosswords. He also completed 3 new crosswords: 1 puzzle testing pre-1953 knowledge, another testing post-1953 knowledge, and another combining the 2 by giving postoperative semantic clues for preoperative answers. From the results, the authors concluded that H. M. can acquire new semantic knowledge, at least temporarily, when he can anchor it to mental representations established preoperatively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Anthropology and Anatomy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. Brian_Skotko@student.hms.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Skotko
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Kensinger
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Locascio
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Einstein
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: Larry A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Tupler
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krendl
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Corkin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000647:Amnesia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012660:Semantics; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology