Non-local computations in hippocampal circuits: neural mechanisms

Past experience, in the form of memories guide the way in which we understand the world and make plans. A region called the hippocampus in the brain, is known to be important for forming memories about events and places. Research in humans and animals has identified neurons in the hippocampus and related brain areas that contribute to this process by representing self-location. However, these representations alone are insufficient to explain how mammals form and use long-term memories. 

We will build on theoretical work and promising pilot data to study how the hippocampus interacts with the rest of the brain to extract common themes from recent experiences, and guide planning for the future. 

Mechanistic insights into these functions may allow us to derive novel therapies for neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease which directly affects mnemonic abilities.