Presenting:Neural correlates of autobiographical memory retrieval
Autobiographical memory (AM) depends on a distributed network of brain regions including medial temporal lobes, medial prefrontal cortex, and posterior parietal regions. During retrieval, these regions interact dynamically to produce multi-modal representations accompanied by a sense of reliving or re-experiencing. In this talk Dr. Hebscherwill discuss how such distributed regions contribute to the subjective experience of remembering, with a focus on exploring how representations of spatial context support AM. She will first describe a study demonstrating that spatial context plays an early role in the behavioural dynamics of memory retrieval. She will then present a study in which she used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to determine the causal role of the precuneus in AM retrieval. By combining TMS with magnetoencephalography she was able to observe the effects of precuneus stimulation on neural oscillations, which reflect communication between widespread regions. The results of this study demonstrate that the precuneus is causally involved in AM, and in network-wide communication mediated by theta and gamma oscillations. Finally, she will discuss my current research using fMRI to examine how large-scale patterns of brain activity support complex memory retrieval.