Non-synaptic plasticity plays a critical role in learning and memory
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 90/100
Non-synaptic plasticity—such as changes in neuronal excitability and intrinsic membrane properties—plays a critical, complementary role alongside synaptic changes in learning and memory formation.
Evidence for · 5
More than synaptic plasticity: Role of nonsynaptic plasticity in learning and memory
2009 · cited by 271
Paper [0] reviews evidence that memories are stored through non-synaptic processes like changes in neuronal excitability, acting either as part of the engram or setting circuits to a permissive state.
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More for · 4
Synaptic and nonsynaptic plasticity approximating probabilistic inference
2014 · cited by 54
Paper [3] models how synaptic and non-synaptic mechanisms (such as intrinsic excitability and ionic conductances) jointly orchestrate learning and memory.
Paper [4] demonstrates that age-associated memory impairment is linked to declining neuronal electrical excitability, highlighting the role of non-synaptic plasticity.
Invertebrate Models to Study Learning and Memory: Lymnaea
2009 · cited by 15
Paper [5] notes that both synaptic and non-synaptic plasticity (persistent membrane potential changes) are involved in long-term memory formation in invertebrate models.
Behavioral and circuit analysis of learning and memory in mollusks
2008 · cited by 14
Paper [7] discusses how non-synaptic mechanisms like changes in excitability are increasingly recognized as contributing to memory formation alongside synaptic plasticity.