New research from Western University could lead to better
treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and drug addiction by
effectively blocking memories. The
research performed by Nicole Lauzon, a PhD candidate in the laboratory of
Steven Laviolette at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has
revealed a common mechanism in a region of the brain called the pre-limbic
cortex, can control the recall of memories linked to both aversive, traumatic
experiences associated with PTSD and rewarding memories linked to drug
addiction. More importantly, the
researchers have discovered a way to actively suppress the spontaneous recall
of both types of memories, without permanently altering memories. The findings are published online in the
journal Neuropharmacology.