Research summary
Memory disorders affect millions of Canadians. In some cases, such as with Alzheimer’s disease, important memories can be lost. In others, persistent memories tied to traumatic events can lead to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To develop better treatments for these conditions, it is critical to understand how memories are organized and stored in the brain—and how they can be altered after they are formed.
Dr. Paul Frankland, Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neurobiology, aims to understand how we learn, remember and, in some cases, forget. In particular, he and his research team are uncovering the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these key processes by studying “engrams,” the neuronal ensembles that constitute the biological basis of memory. Their findings will provide a foundation for the development of better treatments for disorders affecting thought and cognition, including PTSD and Alzheimer’s disease.