Abstract
ECT is the most effective treatment for depression. However, it is associated with significant side cognitive side effects including transient and also permament amnesia. The hippocampus is a key region for learning and memory and involved in encoding memory through activation of specific neuronal ensembles termed engram cells. The hippocampus is also unique in its ability to produce new neurons continuously throughout an individual’s life span. There is a strong link between hippocampal neurogenesis and memory performance. Manipulations that increase neurogenesis are often correlated with memory improvements, whereas ablating neurogenesis has been shown to impair both spatial and fear-related memory. In addition, there is evidence for neurogenesis playing a role in infantile amnesia and forgetting. Increased neurogenesis caused forgetting of established memory and inhibiting neurogenesis reduced the infantile amnesia that occurs normally during early development. Interestingly, electroconvulsive stimulation(ECS) is associated with increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus and is frequently associated with amnestic side effects. In this presentation I will discuss preclinical data associating neurogenesis and conginitve side effects of ECS and its potential relevance for the clinical practice of electroconvulsive therapy.
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