Posted by Cam W. on November 7, 2001, at 20:48:18
In reply to Re: synaptic/neuro plasticity?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2001, at 13:37:34
> What's interesting about memantine is that although it is generally thought to reduce neuroadaptive changes (reduce plasticity), it actually can enhance memory and learning. It is known to improve cognition, especially in dementia. This is sometimes thought of as being paradoxical, but it really isn't. Perhaps memantine is selective as to what, when, and where it inhibits synaptic changes. Since "forgetting" is the result of a plastic event, reducing plasticity would allow memories to persist. Something might be learned "deeper" in that once made, fewer connections are lost during the consolidation process (LPT?).
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> Just a few plastic thoughts...
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> - ScottScott - How I understand it, the thoughts need to be altered, however slightly, to "learn" anything. Perhaps memantine stops LTD (long term depression), the loss of connections, but allows LTP (long term potentiation), the adding of connections. If this is the case though, I would think that the slowing of LTD would result in confusion over the longrun, as "disconnections" of synapses would be inhibited (or slowed), resulting in too many, possibly confusing connections (eg. too many connecting neural loops). So a modification of the hypothesis would need to be made. Alas, another case where something is so complex it looks simple. The "excepts" and "buts" win out again (eg. "antidepressants relieve depression by increasing serotonin, 'except' for bupropion").
< sigh > Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:83236
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83478.html