Researchers discovered the anesthesia drug dexmedetomidine impairs long-term picture memory but does not block memory for emotional arousal, according to a study in the September issue of Anesthesiology.
Previous work suggested dexmedetomidine-related amnesia may be caused by information failing to be encoded into long-term memory and that the drug may differentially affect memory for emotionally arousing material.
Using neuroimaging to reveal alterations in brain activity, researchers studied 48 volunteers who viewed and rated 80 emotionally arousing and non-arousing pictures.
While dexmedetomidine impaired overall picture memory, it did not differentially modulate memory as a function of emotional arousal. Arousing pictures were better remembered for both groups.
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Previous work suggested dexmedetomidine-related amnesia may be caused by information failing to be encoded into long-term memory and that the drug may differentially affect memory for emotionally arousing material.
Using neuroimaging to reveal alterations in brain activity, researchers studied 48 volunteers who viewed and rated 80 emotionally arousing and non-arousing pictures.
While dexmedetomidine impaired overall picture memory, it did not differentially modulate memory as a function of emotional arousal. Arousing pictures were better remembered for both groups.
More Articles on Anesthesia:
ASA, AMA Urge Congress to Act Against Automatic Medicare Cuts
Recall Issued for Anesthesia Pump with ONDEMAND Bolus Button
ASA Launches Campaign Opposing CMS' CRNA Proposal