The entorhinal cortex, the area where memory is consolidated.

The entorhinal cortex, the area where memory is consolidated.
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п»ї<title>The entorhinal cortex, the area where memory is consolidated.</title>

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 the structure that protects our identity and ability to adapt to the environment.
In recent years, advances in neuroscience have been encouraging. It is now understood how the TAU protein accumulates in a remarkable way in this region of our brain and thus favors a slow neurodegeneration. However, studies such as the one published in the Journal of Neuroscience, for example, provide us with a really positive fact.
It has been shown that the application of electrical stimulation in the entorhinal cortex favors the production of dentate granular cells, which are gradually integrated into the hippocampal networks. In other words, neurogenesis occurs, which tends to slightly improve the cognitive processes related to memory in these patients.
These are small advances, no doubt. However, at present, strategies based on non-invasive brain stimulation are giving interesting results. Let's learn more about the entorhinal cortex.
"Neuroscience is by far the most exciting branch of science, because the brain is the most fascinating object in the universe. Every human brain is different; the brain makes every human being unique and defines who he or she is."
-Stanley B. Prusiner
Functions of the entorhinal cortexThe 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 the neocortex. It should also 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 task is to act as a direct bridge to the hippocampus.
It is also important to know that interest in the entorhinal cortex arose at the end of the 19th century with Santiago RamГіn y Cajal. It was in the midst 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 attention.
He found it fascinating how many connections it maintained with the whole brain. Let us now see what their 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 the events that make up our declarative, episodic and semantic memory. It is in this region that our identity, our internal narrative, our personal history, is sculpted, so to speak.
In turn, it also helps us to orient ourselves in the space around us, to situate ourselves in any scenario.
Emotional memoryAs 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, so it is inevitable that every memory also has an emotional component.
All these processes are integrated and stored by this small and relevant structure.
Olfactory centerThe entorhinal cortex integrates various parts of the olfactory cortex. In the animal kingdom, and especially in predators, it comprises 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, this connection facilitates above all the olfactory memory; a place where we often create anchorages with certain events of the past and their particular odors.
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 mainly in this area.
Studies, such as the one carried out at Columbia University Medical Center, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, point to this site as the gateway to this devastating disease. Likewise, it has also been possible to verify how entorhinal deterioration leads to cognitive failures that, little by little, precede the reduction of the volume of the hippocampus. This is very common 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 of this area in all patients suffering from this disorder. It appears mainly in the right area, forming a very striking structural asymmetry.
To conclude. Advances in the better understanding of 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 halt their progression or improve the quality of life of these patients in the (hopefully) not too distant future.
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