erasing memories

Selectively erasing unwanted memories

September 13, 2013

Jim Carrey in  Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (credit: Universal Studios)

Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have been able to erase dangerous drug-associated memories in mice and rats without affecting other more benign memories.

The surprising discovery points to a clear and workable method to disrupt unwanted memories while leaving the rest intact, the scientists say.

For recovering addicts and individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), unwanted memories can be devastating. Former meth addicts, for instance, report intense drug cravings triggered by associations with cigarettes, money, even gum (used to relieve dry mouth), pushing them back into the addiction they so desperately want to leave.

As in the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (a couple undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories when their relationship turns sour), “we’re looking for strategies to selectively eliminate evidence of past experiences related to drug abuse or a traumatic event.