Memory consolidation

Memory consolidation is a process in the brain that stabilizes newly learned information, allowing the memory to be stored long-term. A memory trace is the biological change in neural circuits that occurs during learning. Memory consolidation is essential for learning as it allows experiences to be transformed into stable long-term memories that can guide future behavior.

Consolidation is divided into two main processes, synaptic consolidation and systems consolidation. Synaptic consolidation occurs rapidly on a small scale in the individual synapses within the first few hours of learning. Systems consolidation occurs on a larger scale and involves gradual reorganization and reduced reliance on the hippocampus and increased involvement of cortical networks over a period of weeks to years.

These processes involve molecular and cellular changes that stabilize neural representations, referred to as a neural ensemble (engram).

A third process, reconsolidation, has been proposed, in which previously consolidated memories can become unstable again after retrieval and may need to be updated before being re-stabilized.