Entorhinal cortex, the area where memory is consolidated

It has long been known that the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease originate in the entorhinal cortex.. An area that is directly connected to the hippocampus and is key in all processes related to episodic, autobiographical and spatial memory. It is also that structure that protects our identity and the ability to adapt to the environment.

In recent years, advances in neuroscience are encouraging. It is now understood how the TAU protein accumulates significantly in this region of our brain and thus promotes slow neurodegeneration. Now, studies such as the one published in the Journal of NeuroscienceFor example, they tell us some really positive information.

It has been seen that The application of electrical stimulation to the entorhinal cortex promotes the production of dentate granule cells, which are gradually integrated into the hippocampal networks. That is, neurogenesis occurs, which tends to slightly improve the cognitive processes related to memory in these patients.

They are small advances, there is no doubt. Nevertheless, Currently, strategies based on non-invasive brain stimulation are giving interesting results. Let’s learn more facts about the entorhinal cortex.

Functions of the entorhinal cortex

The entorhinal cortex is an area of ​​the brain located in the medial temporal lobe. It is often defined as that “interface” area that works in constant communication with the hippocampus and neocortex. Likewise, it should be noted that it is divided into two regions: medial and lateral.

It is, in turn, a structure with multiple connections to different brain areas. It works, for example, in conjunction with the olfactory and visual pathways. It is also linked to the temporal, parietal and frontal lobes. However, as we have already pointed out, Its main job is to act as a direct bridge with the hippocampus.

Likewise, it is important to know that Interest in the entorhinal cortex arose at the end of the 19th century with Santiago Ramón and Cajal. It was in the middle of his studies to understand the functions of the nervous system when he discovered a peculiar part of the posterior temporal cortex that caught his incredible attention.

He found the large number of connections it had with the entire brain fascinating. Let us therefore see below what its functions are.

Declarative and spatial memory

The entorhinal cortex is key to establishing two types of memory: declarative and spatial. This means that this constant connection with the hippocampus allows us, among other things, to integrate those events that make up our declarative, episodic and semantic memory. It is in this region where our identity, internal narrative, our personal history is sculpted, so to speak.

At the same time, it also helps us to orient ourselves in the space around us, to place ourselves in any scenario.

emotional memory

As we have pointed out, the entorhinal cortex sends and receives information to the hippocampus, the most relevant structure of the limbic system. We cannot forget that This area is also connected to the amygdala, therefore, it is inevitable that each memory also has an emotional component.

All these processes are integrated and stored by this small, very relevant structure.

olfactory center

The entorhinal cortex integrates various parts of the olfactory cortex. In the animal kingdom, and especially in predators, it covers a larger portion, but in humans and primates the olfactory bulb connects only 10% of its structure with the entorhinal cortex.

However, it is usually interpreted that, in our case, That connection above all facilitates that olfactory memory; place where we often create anchors with certain events from the past and their particular smells.

The entorhinal cortex and disease

Alterations in the entorhinal cortex are associated with various disorders. The best known is Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, the accumulation of the (mutated) tau protein, together with the neurofibrillary tangles it generates, tends to appear especially in this area.

Studies, such as the one carried out at Columbia University Medical Center, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, point to this place as the door to this such a devastating disease. Likewise, it has also been possible to verify how entorhinal deterioration leads to cognitive failures that, little by little, precede the reduction in the volume of the hippocampus. Something very classic in patients with Alzheimer’s type dementia.

On the other hand, There is another disease linked to the entorhinal cortex: schizophrenia. Thus, studies such as the one carried out at the University of Udine, in Italy, have observed a clear reduction in this area in all patients suffering from this disorder. It appears especially in the right area, forming a very striking structural asymmetry.

In conclusion. Advances in better understanding our brain architecture and functionality is undoubtedly a positive development.. Knowing, for example, how these dramatic diseases are related to areas such as the entorhinal cortex makes it easier for us to develop appropriate strategies to stop their progression or improve the quality of life of these patients in the (hopefully) not too distant future.

You might be interested…