Speaker
Description
Highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM) is a rare condition characterized by an extraordinary ability to recall autobiographical information with remarkable accuracy and detail. While previous studies have begun to explore the neural correlates of HSAM, the role of brain oscillations in this phenomenon remains largely unexplored. In this study, we examined an individual with HSAM and compared their brain activity to that of 16 control participants. During EEG recording, all participants were asked to retrieve autobiographical memories (AMs), pressing a button to indicate when they accessed and constructed a memory, then continuing to elaborate on it. In line with extant literature, we focused on midfrontal theta oscillations during the construction phase and posterior alpha oscillations during elaboration. Compared to controls, the HSAM individual showed reduced midfrontal theta power during construction and lower posterior alpha power during elaboration. These findings may reflect greater neural efficiency in the HSAM brain. Specifically, reduced midfrontal theta may indicate a reduced need for inhibitory control during memory construction, possibly due to the automatic nature of memory retrieval. Similarly, reduced posterior alpha during elaboration may reflect diminished cortical suppression and, speculatively, enhanced visual imagery. This study provides new insights into the neurocognitive processes supporting exceptional autobiographical memory.
| If you're submitting a symposium talk, what's the symposium title? | Neural signatures of complex and real-life memories |
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| If you're submitting a symposium, or a talk that is part of a symposium, is this a junior symposium? | No |
