Reward-related memory and interindividual variability in structural and functional brain networks

Dehmelt, Vera 2021. Reward-related memory and interindividual variability in structural and functional brain networks. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

On any given day we only remember a fraction of what we experience. An event’s salience will influence the probability of remembering. Extrinsic reward has been shown to introduce salience and facilitate memory. Yet, memory modulation through reward varies between individuals. This thesis aims to investigate: the brain networks associated with variability in reward-modulated memory; how reward influences hippocampus-dependent memory such as recollection, temporal order, and associative memory; how reward influences consolidation of intentionally memorised information; and how variability within brain networks associated with rewarded memory formation relates to variability in the influence of reward on different types of memory. Chapter 2 examined the effect of reward on temporal order memory and whether this effect was dependent on the type of post-encoding period. Comparing a distractor and a wakeful rest, temporal order memory was better for high than low reward items only when a distractor task filled the post-encoding period. Chapters 3 and 4 investigated the structural and functional connections underlying variability in reward-modulated temporal order memory. In Chapter 3, variability in the reward-related enhancement of temporal order memory was found to be associated with variability in the microstructure of the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Chapter 4 indicated a relationship between resting-state functional connectivity within a right hemispheric semantic network and variability in the reward-related temporal order memory benefit. Chapters 5 and 6 investigated the structural and functional connections underlying variability in immediate versus 24-hour delayed intentional memory. In Chapter 5, variability in delayed memory was related to variability in fornix microstructure. Chapter 6 indicated a relationship between variability in reward-related memory enhancement at delayed memory test and variability in resting-state functional connectivity between nucleus accumbens and hippocampus. Together, these findings contribute to a better understanding of how individual variability in structural and functional connections relate to reward-modulated memory enhancements.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 June 2021
Date of Acceptance:	1 June 2021
Last Modified:	01 Jun 2021 13:31
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/141680

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