Title:A Brief Comparative Look at Experimental Memory Editing Techniques for Cognitive Dysfunction
Volume: 18
Issue: 10
Author(s): Chi H. Poon, Shawn Z.K. Tan*, Victoria Sheng, Shouyan Wang, Luca Aquili and Lee W. Lim*
Affiliation:
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,China
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,China
Keywords:
Neuromodulation, memory editing, cognition, Alzheimer's disease, neuroscience, behavioral therapy.
Abstract: Neuroscience has long sought to develop methods that can “edit” or even “erase” memories,
with the aim to provide treatments for memory-related neurological and psychiatric diseases
such as anxiety and addiction. Current efforts are heavily focused on modifying cognitive behavioral
therapy protocols or pharmacological treatments, but the efficacy and safety of these methods
have been called into question by several studies. Advances in modern technology and the rapid
emergence of techniques that can directly stimulate/alter neuronal activity, such as neuromodulation,
have great potential in achieving the goal of memory modification for treating dementia such
as Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research and validation studies are required before these
memory editing technologies can be applied clinically. In this mini-review, we compare and highlight
the advantages and disadvantages of cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacological methods,
and neuromodulation techniques. We believe that neuromodulation techniques will play a key role
in overcoming the challenges of translating memory-manipulating techniques to clinical applications.
