There have been several "brain in the news" stories in the media recently! One of the most intriguing is one that was printed in the Waterloo-CF Courier last week- but originated from the Baltimore Sun. The title is "Way to Erase Traumatic Memories May be on the Horizon". I had heard of this particular drug therapy several years ago- through Pat Wolfe- but this article makes it sound as if testing is continuing, and it may become a reality.
I'll let you read the article yourself, but the gist is that they have discovered a way to actually erase traumatic memories, by asking the person to recall the memory, and then identifying a "window of vulnerability" when the brain produces certain proteins. The theory is (and trials with mice have been successful) that if a particular drug is administered during that window- as a person is actually recalling the memory- that the traumatic memory will be erased. Unbelievable! Of course, there are huge ethical considerations to deal with here! But researchers are hoping that additional therapies can be developed to help Post Traumatic Stress victims. The therapy holds the most promise (at least at this point in time) for victims of a single violent act- such as a rape or an assault- and who suffer from "flashbacks". There are more uncertainties about how to treat those victims (such as soldiers) who witnessed multiple traumatic events- or those who were traumatized by sustained stressful situations.
I'll include the link to the article. I hope you'll take a moment to read it. You'll notice references to the amygdala that should strike a chord with you, if you have taken any of my classes. (Remember- it is the inner brain structure that scans all incoming information and determines what should be paid attention to- thus... it is a survival structure within the brain.) When a person experiences a traumatic event, such as an attack, a car accident, or war... the amygdala does exactly what it is supposed to do- it alerts the person to the danger, causes them to act "instinctively" to either fight, flee, or freeze- and creates a "hypersensitivity" to future situations that are similar. (example- veterans who experienced combat are often hypersensitive to loud bangs- the backfire of a car's engine, etc- as their amygdalae are programmed to respond to gunfire and explosives.) So... the amygdala doing exactly what it is supposed to do in a stressful situation, can actually cause problems when the danger has passed- thus- PTSD.
Here is the link to the article:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bs-hs-erasing-memories-20101122,0,342650.story
It's a fascinating study- and the ethical considerations it raises are fascinating, as well. For those of you who teach older students, an article such as this one would make great fodder for a debate. Is this type of drug therapy ethical? Is the promise of help it could give to some... worth the risk for abuse? Seems like it could make for a great project that would include research, some really good thought-provoking essential questions, persuasive writing, persuasive speaking, debate, etc.
More later... enjoy the season!
