Memory. As I’ve discussed often, it is a critical component of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Those episodes where we felt that intense fear can reverberate and then periodically (or continually) revisit our consciousness. In PTSD, it’s the amygdala and the cingulate cortex portions of the brain that are prominent in these recurrences.
For recovering alcoholics, it’s the memories associated with their addiction that is the problem. The bar odors, the sound of ice clinking in a glass- all trigger memories and are the pathways to relapse. And, if we could obliterate those memories, it would be easier for the alcoholic to stay “off the wagon”.
Dr. Dorit Ron, along with Drs. Barak, Liu, Hamida, Yowell, Neasta, Kharzia, and Janak [co-senior author] (UC San Francisco) published results from their study of rats in Neuroscience. Ron et. al. induced alcoholism in the rats (allowing them to binge on alcohol). Then, the rats were forced to abstain from alcohol (10 days), and susequently afforded a drop or two of alcohol. (This would simulate detoxification and a relapse, reawakening memories of alcoholism). When the rat brains were examined (brain scans), the researchers discerned that mTORC1 is the signaling pathway (within the amygdalla and cortex), the neural mechanism for these recalled memories.
Given these data, the researchers then administered rapamycin (normally used for transplant patients), because it was known to disrupt the mTORC1 pathway in the amygdalla and cortex. It was thought this drug could preclude alcohol memory consolidation. And, lo and behold, those rats afforded the drug were significantly less likely to resume their alcoholic tendencies- for up to two weeks. But, the time frame for the administration of rapamycin was very narrow, too.
These findings are critical, because of the memory consolidation effects. Even after detox and rehab periods, way more than 70% of the addicts will relapse within the first few years. Being able to erase alcohol memory will go a long way to preclude relapses, among those who do have a tendency to relapse.
Is there a way to prevent alcoholism relapse? There just might be. http://t.co/0g177tYYRH
I wonder if there is a way to calm down obsessive eating with some drug. Oh, wait, don’t tell me, I am going to get a snack.
Ann Mullen recently posted..Senior Care Stress Buster: Voicing Your Concerns
Thanks for the laugh, Ann.
And, I have an answer- it’s yes! Wait a few weeks- it is somewhere in my queue…
I like http://t.co/eL6pdr8JjM
There is so much more then memory that can bring about another problem like alcohol. Smell, atmosphere, etc.
Shawn recently posted..Market Your Business With Contests
All those things are in our memories, Shawn. They are the triggers…
Memory is a critical part of us, full stop
Caro Ness recently posted..The Ark
Ah, yes, memories are critical- but not all are vital. Those that are harmful could use eradication, Caro.
I like http://t.co/IlBJHZBnf3
Bad Memories http://t.co/mMDvY8a1Rk
Interesting study. I pity those poor rats. I’m wondering how the rapamycin would work for alcoholism without disrupting all memories?
Suerae:
That’s the reason for the tight window on administration- so that it works on the specific memories.
I like http://t.co/j6QLXcToBa
This is wonderful. To think there may soon be hope!! Thank you for this post.
Carol Tomany recently posted..Ersatz
I think it’s great, too, Carol. Because it may be the way to put this problem to bed once and for all!
Memory is a funny thing. Sometimes, things that I thought I had forgotten are coming back to me because I saw/felt/smelled things from my past. Sometimes I forget things that have happened recently. I don’t know why. I don’t understand how it all works!
MuMuGB recently posted..Alarm Bells
Glad this post could oblige that inquiry, Muriel! That’s why I write them. Thanks!
Memory is a funny thing: a simple trigger can bring back bad memories… http://t.co/NQeDRAq1KL
I wonder if these findings can be used to help PTSD in general. Veterans? Rape victims? etc.?
There actually is a drug they’ve been testing for rape victims, Alessa. I haven’t seen much in print about it in a while, though.
And, PTSD may not have such a narrow event window- but I believe that is testing that is coming.
There sure is a sacrifice involved (some kind of memories related with emotional intelligence); but, considering the brutal damage alcoholism can provoke to the patients and their families, I think is a good sacrifice.
I wondered about that too, Gustavo- but, I think that’s why there is a narrow window of opportunity with which one can administer the drugs.
This is so interesting, Roy. It helps me to understand the struggles that the alcoholic must face. I had no idea that something as simple as the sound of ice hitting the bottom of the glass could be a trigger.
Amy recently posted..GOT Squash bugs? Eradicate your squash bug problem . . . naturally!
Neither did I, Amy…
It’s those little things that trigger our memories. Not just for alcoholics. A waft of perfume. A rainbow…