Cited by 1,620Neural dynamics and brain functionMemory and Neural MechanismsMemory Processes and Influences

The role of phase synchronization in memory processes

Fell, Juergen, Axmacher, Nikolai·2011·Nature Reviews Neuroscience

Abstract

In recent years, studies ranging from single-unit recordings in animals to electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography studies in humans have demonstrated the pivotal role of phase synchronization in memory processes. Phase synchronization - here referring to the synchronization of oscillatory phases between different brain regions - supports both working memory and long-term memory and acts by facilitating neural communication and by promoting neural plasticity. There is evidence that processes underlying working and long-term memory might interact in the medial temporal lobe. We propose that this is accomplished by neural operations involving phase-phase and phase-amplitude synchronization. A deeper understanding of how phase synchronization supports the flexibility of and interaction between memory systems may yield new insights into the functions of phase synchronization in general.

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Crossref · 10.1038/nrn2979

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  • Neuronal synchronization has been proposed as a key mechanism in communicating information from one brain area to another and to play a vital role in memory as well as attention.

    “Neuronal synchronization has been proposed as a key mechanism in communicating information from one brain area to another (Fries, 2005) and to play a vital role in memory (Fell & Axmacher, 2011) as well as attention (Jensen, Gips, Bergmann, & Bonnefond, 2014).”

    From Selection history: How reward modulates selectivity of visual attention. (2018) · cites this paper as Fell & Axmacher, 2011

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Authors
Fell, J., & Axmacher, N.
Affiliations
University of Bonn (DE)
Corresponding author
Fell, Juergen
Venue
Nature Reviews Neuroscience
Published
2011-01-20
Volume
12
Issue
2
Pages
105-118
ISSN
  • 1471-003X (ISSN-L)
  • 1471-0048
OpenAlex
W2065096279
Cited by
1,620
References
146
Citations by year
2026: 59 · 2025: 105 · 2024: 117 · 2023: 139 · 2022: 129 · 2021: 122 · 2020: 118 · 2019: 97 · 2018: 111 · 2017: 116 · 2016: 122 · 2015: 89 · 2014: 99 · 2013: 97 · 2012: 70
FWCI
7.87
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Nature reviews. Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Universitätsbibliographie, Universität Duisburg-Essen (submittedVersion)
Funders
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
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
phase synchronization, neural oscillations, working memory, long-term memory, phase-amplitude coupling, hippocampus, neuroplasticity, neural communication, medial temporal lobe
MeSH terms
Animals, Cortical Synchronization, Electroencephalography, Humans, Memory, Short-Term, Nerve Net, Neuronal Plasticity, Temporal Lobe, Memory, Long-Term

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