• Consolidation is the way by which memories are processed.

That is when you

have some experiences in the short term memory and the memory isn’t
consolidated so it would never convert to long term memory.
• In other terms, this is a narrowing down process through which short term
memory is converted into the long term.
• The process involves neurons in the brain undergoing protein synthesis. These
proteins glue all the memories together.
• There are two major processes that lead to the final consolidation.
These are synaptic consolidation which takes place within immediate
hours of learning and encoding while the other is system consolidation
where hippocampal memories are independent of hippocampus storage
after a certain period of time.

• The long term potentiation is the consolidation convicted of increasing

synaptic transmissions between the neurons.
• Long term potentiation is a discrete phenomenon linked to the synchronous
neuronal firing of the same group type to induce sensitization for future
retrieval.
• The additional memories create more connections by rearranging them and
redirecting them to their specific points.
• A laid neuronal pathway will create less resistance path for the further flow
of information.
• This is concerned with protein formation for the consolidation.
 Basics of Memory Consolidation
• The memory is stored and functioned in two major ways.
One is encoding while the other is the transfer of information.
There are two forms of encoding which as well are labelled as short term and
long term.
While the transfer of memory from the short term requires two basics which
are rehearsal and Organization of Information.
• There are three basic stages through which memory forms. These
are:

• Encoding: This refers to how sensory inputs are transformed into a

kind of input that can be stored as in the form of memory.
• Storage: This represents how to retain the encoded sensory
information you get through your sense organs.
• Retrieval: This accounts for how you get access to the actual memory
stores in your brain.
 Transfer of Short term Memory to Long
term Memory
• There is always the existence of interference between the storing information
and that of the competing information.
• When we aren't retrieving the facts and figures we are paving the path for
the particular memory to decay.
• The non-declarative memories tend to be more volatile than the declarative
ones. The non-declarative memories can be incorporated into permanent
stores by constant practices and repeated procedural conditioning.
The formation of long term declarative memory can occur through several
processes.
 Like making connections between the information, the newer ones have to
be linked to the older ones.
Acting upon the new information to bring about a better progressive result.
We, humans, are known to make connections with the existing stored
information in the storehouses.
The process of integration is widely known as consolidation. Here we deal with
two straightforward yet comprehensive terms. These are:
• Metacognition which explains our thought process mastering our thinking
capabilities in the first place to its right.
• Metamemory stages which explain how processing our memory houses reveal
the improved memory types. These are sub categorical divisions of the
metacognition.
• Rehearsal refers to the repetition of the same information to keep it to a
significant place through practice effects. Rehearsal can be elaborative or
maintenance. Elaborative is when concise parts are opened to an extent to find
connections and links for meaningful expression while maintenance is just
stitched to repetitive rehearsals
 Shreds of evidence of consolidation
• It is vital to state that conscious memories are formed through consolidation
which is initially stored in the storehouses namely the hippocampus and
neocortex.
• Then the hippocampus gets out of the sentence and the consolidation is
rather restricted to the neocortex after a certain time.
• Early consolidation examples were studied while studying retrograde amnesia
which is known to affect the hippocampus overall.
Working of Memory Consolidation Process
• The memory consolidation works by the process of potentiation. The
process is integrated through a synaptic workforce and requires the
conduction of information from neurons to neurons via the help of
neurotransmitters.
• The greater the number of times through which the signals pass from
a certain synapse can be termed as potentiation. This holds on the
learning and memory process onto a greater gateway.
• Continuous rehearsal and revision strengthen the networks existing
between the compartments.
• This can be easily correlated to your studying strategies. Your often
recalling patterns help you remember a certain thing for a longer
period. This causes repetitive neuronal firing which can even be
experienced in the later future times. This marks the accuracy and
precision with which you’re able to remember a certain thing.
Speeding Up Memory Consolidation
Process
• Rehearsal and strategic learning can improve the accuracy with which
the short term memory is consolidated into the long term.
• Creating links and integrating things into the existing knowledge is for
this reason considered to be an optimistic mode of learning.
System Consolidation

The reorganization of the memory is seen from the hippocampal region

to the areas of the brain called the neocortex. This is a dynamic process
that is linked with precise memory stabilization. It is the reshifting of
the memory
 Sleep Consolidation
• 5 different sleep stages are different in their EEG patterns. The REM
stage is when the person dreams about something, hence increasing the
learning procedure. Insomnia patients are having problems with
memory consolidation as they are sleep-deprived individuals.

• The cells of the hippocampus that got activated during the encoding of
the new memory too get active during the sleep. This is done to achieve
consolidation and conversion of short term broken memory to a long
term stored memory into the storehouses.
• Hippocampus is advanced in collecting new information for a temporary
basis until it is calculated and transferred to neocortical representation
in the brain.
• Sleep can be divided into two main phases which are REM (Rapid Eye
Movement) and NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Holding on
to the memory implication there is rather an establishment of links
between hippocampal and cortical regions of the brain. REM is also
known as active sleep which elicits profound neuronal activity in the
brain. This works through the action of neuronal plasticity.

• Though slow-wave sleep or NREM is known to produce a low level of

acetylcholine that aids in the consolidation process building the
learning regime.
Organization of Information
• It depends on every individual what marks does he or she needs to create
to pull out the consistent organization of information within their heads.
Certain techniques cause better retrieval and organization as in the form
of mnemonic devices, reminders, and forcing functions.

• Mnemonics help to reflect the memory at a better pace and allow sound
integration to the other associated memory counterparts.
• Reminders are external aids the person might seek to help him
remember certain tasks easily. Like setting up an alarm note on the
phone or jotting down things in the diary.
• Forcing Function which allows signaling or link creation to certain non-
vital things which you do remember as a part of other vital information.
Retrieval

• This can further be broadly classified into two categories. Retrieval for
short term memory and retrieval for long term memory. The short
term memory owns two serial and parallel processing. The earlier
part explaining the activities carried out in synchrony to the next
while the latter processing refers to managing the operation of
multiple processing in a single go.
Stages Of Memory Consolidation

• Certain stages are linked to memory consolidation but each stage is

linked to the existence of the time since the memory is incorporated into
its existence. Memory consolidation is just not a matter of days but is
linked to the consolidation process for weeks, months, and years.

• There are different stages of consolidation each linked up with cellular

mechanisms and brain systems. Hippocampus and other relatable regions
are adjourned to produce memory consolidation. This is known that early
memory storage takes place in the hippocampal region and is later
transferred to the neocortical areas. These areas are entorhinal and
parietal cortices.
 Tips to improve your memory
• 1. Include physical activity in your daily routine
• Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your
brain. This might help keep your memory sharp.
• For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services
recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity,
such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity,
such as jogging — preferably spread throughout the week. If you don't
have time for a full workout, squeeze in a few 10-minute walks throughout
the day.
• 2. Stay mentally active
• Just as physical activity helps keep your body in shape, mentally stimulating
activities help keep your brain in shape — and might keep memory loss at bay.
Do crossword puzzles. Play bridge. Take alternate routes when driving. Learn to
play a musical instrument. Volunteer at a local school or community
organization.
• 3. Socialize regularly
• Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can
contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with loved
ones, friends and others — especially if you live alone.
• 4. Get organized
• You're more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered and your notes are
in disarray. Jot down tasks, appointments and other events in a special
notebook, calendar or electronic planner.
• Limit distractions and don't do too many things at once. If you focus on the
information that you're trying to retain, you're more likely to recall it later. It
might also help to connect what you're trying to retain to a favorite song or
another familiar concept.
• 5. Sleep well
• Sleep plays an important role in helping you consolidate your memories, so you
can recall them down the road. Make getting enough sleep a priority. Most
adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a day.
• 6. Eat a healthy diet
• A healthy diet might be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Eat fruits,
vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as fish,
beans and skinless poultry. What you drink counts, too. Too much alcohol can
lead to confusion and memory loss. So can drug use.
• 7. Manage chronic conditions
• Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations for medical conditions, such
as depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and
hearing loss. The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is
likely to be. In addition, review your medications with your doctor regularly.
Various medications can affect memory.
Causes of Memory Loss and Forgetfulness
• Lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep is a major factor of memory loss and
forgetfulness. You should aim for at 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night for
your best memory function. Regular sleeping habits – like going to bed at the
same time each night, and waking at the same time each morning – can also
make you less forgetful.
• Stress and anxiety. Everyone experiences a certain amount of stress and
anxiety. How you manage these feelings is important to your overall health
and well-being. Left untreated, stress and anxiety can contribute to memory
loss and forgetfulness. But if you focus on recharging your batteries when life
feels overwhelming, chances are your memory will be restored.
• Depression. Not everyone who struggles with depression experiences it in the
same way. However, it can affect your ability to concentrate, remember
details, stay organized and make decisions. Seeking professional help for – and
treating – depression can positively affect many areas of your life, including
your memory.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency. Adequate amounts of vitamin B12 can help protect
your brain against memory loss and forgetfulness. Good sources of vitamin B12
include low-fat dairy products, meat and poultry, eggs and seafood. As you age,
your absorption of nutrients slows down, making it difficult for your system to
get the essential vitamins it needs to function properly. If you are vitamin B12
deficient, you can receive monthly injections to help you stay healthy.
• Thyroid problems. Your thyroid gland controls your metabolism, which can also
affect your memory. If you have hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland),
your body processes slow down. This can make you feel sluggish and forgetful. If
you have hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), your body processes
speed up. This can make you feel confused and disorganized. A simple blood
test can determine if you have thyroid problems.
• Alcohol abuse. Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with short-term
memory, even after the effects of alcohol have worn off. It’s best to stick with
the recommendation of no more than two drinks per day for men, and no more
than one drink per day for women. One drink is generally defined as 1.5 ounces
of 80-proof spirits, 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer.
• Medication. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications, or
combinations of medications, can affect your memory by causing confusion or
drowsiness. This can make it difficult to pay close attention to new information.
Common medications that affect your memory and brain function include
antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants,
sleeping pills and pain medications. If you suspect your medication is affecting
your memory, you should talk to you healthcare provider