The possible contribution of the amygdala to memory.
The processing of episodic memories is believed to depend on the proper functioning of so-called bottleneck structures through which information apparently must pass in order to be stored long term. These regions are seen in the basal forebrain, the medial diencephalon, and the medial temporal lobe. We here report a case with circumscribed bilateral temporal lobe damage, principally involving the amygdaloid area. Neuropsychological investigation demonstrated preserved intelligence, intact general memory and several other undisturbed cognitive functions, but a specific, affect-related, memory disorder. We conclude from these findings that the role of the amygdala is to process mnemonic events in a way that a specific emotional significance can be found and reactivated. Therefore it is suggested that the amygdala is likely to be a bottleneck structure for affect-related long-term memory functions.
Physiological Psychology, University of Bielefeld, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany Neurology Department, Kamillus-Clinic, D-53563 Asbach, Germany.
R
R
Babinsky
Physiological Psychology, University of Bielefeld, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany University Clinic of Neurology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum-Langendreer, D-44892 Bochum, Germany.
P
P
Calabrese
University Clinic of Neurology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum-Langendreer, D-44892 Bochum, Germany.
H F
HF
Durwen
Physiological Psychology, University of Bielefeld, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.
H J
HJ
Markowitsch
University Clinic of Neurology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum-Langendreer, D-44892 Bochum, Germany University Clinic of Radiology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum-Langendreer, D-44892 Bochum, Germany.
D
D
Brechtelsbauer
University Clinic of Radiology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum-Langendreer, D-44892 Bochum, Germany.
L
L
Heuser
University Clinic of Neurology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum-Langendreer, D-44892 Bochum, Germany.
W
W
Gehlen
Affect; Amygdala; Emotion; Information processing; Memory