Abstract
Deficits in amnesic patients suggest that spatial cognition and episodic memory are intimately related. Among the different types of spatial processing, the allocentric, relying on the hippocampal formation, and the egocentric-updated, relying on parieto-temporal connections have both been considered to functionally underlie episodic memory encoding and retrieval. We explore the cerebral correlates underlying the episodic retrieval of words previously learnt outside the magnet while performing different spatial processes, allocentric and egocentric-updated. Subsequently and during fMRI, participants performed an episodic word recognition task. Data processing revealed that the correct recognition of words learnt in egocentric-updated condition enhanced activity of the medial and lateral parietal, as well as temporal cortices. No additional regions were activated in the present study by retrieving words learnt in allocentric condition. This study sheds new light on the functional links between episodic memory and spatial processing: The temporo-parietal network is confirmed to be crucial in episodic memory in healthy participants and could be linked to the egocentric-updated process.
Highlights
Episodic memory was originally described as the ability to recollect specific events and includes spatial and temporal information of the individual’s life (Tulving, 1972)
We explore the cerebral correlates underlying the episodic retrieval of words previously learnt outside the magnet while performing different spatial processes, allocentric and egocentric-updated
The fMRI analysis first compares the cerebral activity for words correctly retrieved elicited by the spatial processes performed during learning
Summary
Episodic memory was originally described as the ability to recollect specific events and includes spatial and temporal information of the individual’s life (Tulving, 1972). Based on this original definition and on neuropsychological findings in amnesic patients, it is generally agreed that spatial cognition and episodic memory are intimately linked (O’Keefe and Dostrovsky, 1971; O’Keefe and Nadel, 1978; Holdstock et al, 2000; Spiers et al, 2001a,b; Burgess et al, 2002; King et al, 2002). According to the Cognitive Map theory (O’Keefe and Nadel, 1978), allocentric spatial maps stored in the hippocampus have evolved in humans to support the spatio–temporal context of episodic memories (Burgess, 2008). The Cognitive Map Theory suggests that the link between episodic memory encoding and retrieval, and allocentric representations mainly involves hippocampal regions
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