The Role of Steroid Hormones in Learning and Memory
Year: 2006
Type: article
Abstract: - Sufficient evidence has accumulated since the 1970s to support the hypothesis that gonadal steroids can influence processes that allow an organism to learn and remember new information. Although this conclusion quickly leads to exciting implications for our understanding of cognitive function and for the treatment of cognitive disability, it also raises questions regarding the nature, mechanism, and significance of the steroid modulation of learning and memory. In order to support the case that a steroid plays a meaningful role in cognition, several central issues must be addressed: adaptative value (the proposed effect of the steroid on learning and memory should have adaptive value to the organism); strenght of effect (empirical data supporting the role of the steroid in learning and memory should be sufficiently robust in magnitude and replicability); neural substrate (anatomical and physilogical substrates should exist to support the actions of the steroid on learning and memory) ; and nonmnemonic processes (processes other than those directly mediating steroid effects on learning and memory systems should be identified) (23).
Author: Cristian G. Gurzu
Language: English
Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2108273647