Neuroimaging of Autobiographical Memory

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Many clinical disorders involve impairments of autobiographical memory, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. According to one model, these memories require multiple brain regions and cognitive processes; this study will help identify them. Participants will undergo FMRI scanning while retrieving autobiographical memories in response to cue words. After recalling each memory, they will rate several of its properties (such as emotional intensity) on a series of scales. Two types of analysis will be conducted: first, activation during the search for a memory will be compared to activation during retrieval; second, memories that are rated high on one property will be compared to those that are rated low on that property.