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Cited by 923Neural dynamics and brain functionMemory and Neural MechanismsMemory Processes and Influences

Memory processes, brain oscillations and EEG synchronization

Klimesch, Wolfgang·1996·International Journal of Psychophysiology
DOI 10.1016/s0167-8760(96)00057-8
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Abstract

This article tries to integrate results in memory research from divergent disciplines such as cognitive psychology, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology. The integrating link is seen in more recent findings that provide strong arguments for the assumption that oscillations are a basic form of communication between cortical cell assemblies. It is assumed that synchronous oscillations of large cell assemblies--termed type 1 synchronization--reflect a resting state or possibly even a state of functional inhibition. On the other hand, during mental activity, when different neuronal networks may start to oscillate with different frequencies, each network may still oscillate synchronously (this is termed type 2 synchronization), but as a consequence, the large scale type 1 oscillation disappears. It is argued that these different types of synchronization can be observed in the scalp EEG by calculating event-related power changes within comparatively narrow but individually adjusted frequency bands. Experimental findings are discussed which support the hypothesis that short-term (episodic) memory demands lead to a synchronization (increase in band power) in the theta band, whereas long-term (semantic) memory demands lead to a task-specific desynchronization (decrease or suppression of power) in the upper alpha band. Based on these and other findings, a new memory model is proposed that is described on three levels: cognitive, anatomical and neurophysiological. It is suggested that short-term (episodic) memory processes are reflected by oscillations in an anterior limbic system, whereas long-term (semantic) memory processes are reflected by oscillations in a posterior-thalamic system. Oscillations in these frequency bands possibly provide the basis for encoding, accessing, and retrieving cortical codes that are stored in the form of widely distributed but intensely interconnected cell assemblies.

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  • The theta rhythm is directly connected with some areas engaged in memory processing and represents an EEG marker of hippocampal activity.

    “the theta rhythm is directly connected with some areas engaged in memory processing and, in particular, it represents an EEG marker of hippocampal activity”

    From The Functional Role of Dreaming in Emotional Processes (2019) · cites this paper as Klimesch, 1996

  • Theta rhythm may be considered as the local field potential that represents an electrophysiological marker of hippocampal activity both during awake behavior and REM sleep.

    “Theta rhythm may be considered as the local field potential (LFP) that represents an electrophysiological marker of hippocampal activity (Rutishauser et al., 2010), both during awake behavior and REM sleep (Klimesch, 1996; Cantero et al., 2003).”

    From EEG oscillations during sleep and dream recall: state- or trait-like individual differences? (2015) · cites this paper as Klimesch, 1996

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Authors
Klimesch, W.
Affiliations
University of Salzburg (AT)
Corresponding author
Klimesch, Wolfgang
ORCID
Klimesch, Wolfgang
Venue
International Journal of Psychophysiology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
1996-11
Volume
24
Issue
1-2
Pages
61-100
ISSN
0167-8760 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/s0167-8760(96)00057-8
OpenAlex
W2051134452
Cited by
923
References
154
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 33 · 2022: 37 · 2021: 41 · 2020: 50 · 2019: 36 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 56 · 2016: 37 · 2015: 38 · 2014: 48 · 2013: 27 · 2012: 44
FWCI
9.89
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations
  • International Journal of Psychophysiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
Keywords
memory processes, neural oscillations, EEG synchronization, episodic memory, semantic memory, theta band, alpha band, resting state, functional inhibition, memory models, memory encoding and retrieval
MeSH terms
Alpha Rhythm, Attention, Brain, Cerebral Cortex, Cortical Synchronization, Electroencephalography, Evoked Potentials, Hippocampus, Humans, Memory, Models, Neurological, Psychomotor Performance, Semantics, Thalamus, Theta Rhythm, Visual Perception

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