Memory modification technology
might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi film, but scientists are
currently working on developing treatments and procedures that have the
potential to alter human memory. These alterations could possibly be used to
treat those with brain pathologies related to memory, remove unpleasant
memories from those who don’t want them, or enhance memories. The extent to
which this technology should be implemented is still up for debate. Despite the
questionable ethics behind memory modification, there is ongoing research into
the development of treatments that could use this technology.
Dr. Vukov discussed
two viewpoints on memory modification technology.
There are the alarmists, who believe that memories are salient to one’s
identity, and altering memories in any way will alter who one is as a
person. They believe that memory modification technology is dangerous and
should be avoided. Then there are the modifiers, who argue that identities are
always being reinterpreted and therefore memory modification is permissible a
long as it does no harm to oneself or others (Vukov). Dr. Vukov identified himself as a treatmentalist, which mostly
falls in line with the modifiers view, but limits the extent to which memories
can be modified. This view argues that memory modification can be used as a
treatment to bring individuals back to a normal level of psychological
functioning (Vukov).
Treatmentalists would support
the development and use of drugs for memory modification to treat individuals
whose memories are negatively impacting their overall well-being. For pathologies strongly tied to memory such
as PTSD, drugs such as propranolol has
been used as a treatment to dull the emotions
associated with traumatic memories. At
MIT, drugs known as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are currently being
researched as possible memory modifying drugs. These drugs are thought to
enhance the brain’s ability to replace old memories with new memories, which
could be very helpful to those suffering from PTSD (ScienceDaily).
Psychotherapy typically does not work for those with traumatic memories from
years ago, so these drugs could be a viable alternative for those who have
tried therapy and have experienced little improvement in their symptoms.
In preclinical trials,
researchers conditioned mice to associate a loud noise with electric shock.
They then put the mice through extinction protocol which involved hearing the
sound unpaired with the shock. The mice experienced the protocol either a day
later or a month later. They found that mice could only unlearn the association
between the noise and shock if they experienced the extinction protocol after a
day. The mice that received the extinction protocol a month later were less
successful at unlearning the association. The researchers then tested the
HDACis. Mice who had been conditioned to associate the noise with the shock
were given the drug, and then experienced the extinction protocol. The
researchers found that the mice were able to unlearn the association equally
well after one day and one month (ScienceDaily). Therefore, the drug helped
mice replace old traumatic memories with new ones.
These drugs have yet to be
tested in humans, so it is hard to tell right now if they might have the same
effect on people looking to modify their memories. If it does have the same effect,
the drug could be used to help individuals with PTSD replace their traumatic
memories with new ones. Studies like these can also investigate potential drugs
for Alzheimer’s to help regain memories or increase cognitive function. Memory
modification technology may still be controversial, but it does have
applications that could benefit many people.
Sources:
Cell Press. "Drugs that weaken traumatic
memories hold promise for PTSD treatment." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 16
January 2014. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140116130648.htm
Vukov, Joe.
“Enduring Questions and the Ethics of Memory Modification.” Neuroscience
Seminar, Loyola University Chicago, November 29. 2016.
Image sources:
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2015/07/16/mouse-magic-or-how-lab-mice-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-trust-the-healing-energy/
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/cabi/public-engagement/radio-television-print/6-erased-minds-and-spotless-memories
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