Problematic memories can be selectively erased or modified
Extensive neuroscientific and clinical research confirms that consolidated memories can enter a labile state during retrieval, allowing them to be selectively modified, updated, or weakened.
The retrieved papers consistently support the claim that problematic memories can be selectively modified or updated by targeting reconsolidation windows, using pharmacological agents, or employing behavioral and imagery rescripting techniques. There are no refuting papers; while some papers discuss replication challenges or boundary conditions regarding human reconsolidation, the overall body of evidence strongly supports the malleability of memories during retrieval.
Chen J, Fang Z, Zhang X, Zheng Y, Chen Z. How Fear Memory is Updated: From Reconsolidation to Extinction?. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12264-025-01367-7
Reviews how fear memories can be diminished or updated through reconsolidation and extinction mechanisms.
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Ciobanu AC, Caseiro DM, Niu R, Triana Del Rio R, Leroux C, Stefanelli A, Nakandakare CF, Pralong E, Daniel RT, Lütjens R, van den Burg EH, Stoop R. Negative allosteric modulation of mGlu7 disrupts fear memory reconsolidation and glutamatergic signaling in rat and human brain tissue.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-03202-x
Demonstrates that disrupting fear memory reconsolidation via mGlu7 modulation modifies memory persistence.
Bruce Ecker. Reconsolidation behavioral updating of human emotional memory: A comprehensive review and unified analysis of successes, replication failures, and clinical translation. 2021. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/atz3m
Analyzes laboratory studies showing the modification and behavioral updating of human emotional memories via reconsolidation.
Xu R, Shi D, Wang K, Yang Q, Cao P, Wang Z. Progress in spatiotemporal regulation of fear memory: neural circuit mechanisms and implications for PTSD.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1136/gpsych-2025-102224
Examines the spatiotemporal regulation of neural circuits underlying fear memory processes and modification.
Hiraoka S, Kumagai S, Yamasaki T. Empathy-Mediated Narrative Reconstruction of Autobiographical Memory: An Integrative Review of Theory, Evidence, and Applications.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16040429
Proposes an integrative model linking memory reconsolidation and narrative construction to update autobiographical memory.
Agnihotri R. The Neuroscience of Forgetting, Reconsolidation, and the Conceptual Architecture of a Targeted Memory Deletion System (TMDS). 2025. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202512.1288.v1
Outlines the conceptual architecture of targeted memory deletion systems by exploiting reconsolidation and destabilization windows.
Dietiker L, Zacher A, de'Sperati S, Loosli M, Schmid LB, Wernigg M, Rühlmann C, Bavato F, Zölch N, Seifritz E, Quednow BB, Kleim B. Attenuating trauma- and cocaine-related intrusions by blocking memory reconsolidation with minocycline: protocol for a transdiagnostic randomized controlled trial.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2026.2650920
Investigates pharmacological interference with reconsolidation to modulate trauma- and cocaine-related intrusive memories.
Bączek J, Karkosz S, Pietruch M, Szymański R, Michałowski JM. Imagine yourself as a little girl…-efficacy and psychophysiology of imagery techniques targeting adverse autobiographical childhood experiences- multi-arm randomised controlled trial.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1710963
Shows that imagery rescripting techniques can successfully modify adverse autobiographical memories and emotional responses.
Colón LM, Famuyide OA, Eisch AJ. Dentate Gyrus Engrams in Fear and Reward: Mechanistic Principles, Critical Gaps, and Paths to Translation.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.70413
Explores how memory reactivation opens a window for memory updates and reconsolidation.
Ni Y, Wang Y, Zhu Z, Hu J, Schiller D, Li J. Dissociable memory modulation mechanisms facilitate fear amnesia at different timescales.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.98652
Demonstrates that re-exposure protocols can re-evaluate and modify previously learned appetitive memories.
Warnecke C, Schweizer JA, Zattera B, Goldschmidt D, Leptien K, Felsenberg J. Re-exposure to reward re-evaluates related memories.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2025.11.058
Suggests that specific therapeutic protocols facilitate memory reconsolidation to transform distressing memories.
Feinstein D. How tapping works: physiological and psychological mechanisms in energy psychology.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1660375
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