Problematic memories can be selectively erased or modified
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 79/100
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.
Evidence for · 12
How Fear Memory is Updated: From Reconsolidation to Extinction?
2025 · cited by 4
Reviews how fear memories can be diminished or updated through reconsolidation and extinction mechanisms.
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More for · 11
Negative allosteric modulation of mGlu7 disrupts fear memory reconsolidation and glutamatergic signaling in rat and human brain tissue.
2026 · cited by 2
Demonstrates that disrupting fear memory reconsolidation via mGlu7 modulation modifies memory persistence.
Reconsolidation behavioral updating of human emotional memory: A comprehensive review and unified analysis of successes, replication failures, and clinical translation
2021 · cited by 2
Analyzes laboratory studies showing the modification and behavioral updating of human emotional memories via reconsolidation.
Progress in spatiotemporal regulation of fear memory: neural circuit mechanisms and implications for PTSD.
2025 · cited by 1
Examines the spatiotemporal regulation of neural circuits underlying fear memory processes and modification.
Empathy-Mediated Narrative Reconstruction of Autobiographical Memory: An Integrative Review of Theory, Evidence, and Applications.
2026 · cited by 0
Proposes an integrative model linking memory reconsolidation and narrative construction to update autobiographical memory.
The Neuroscience of Forgetting, Reconsolidation, and the Conceptual Architecture of a Targeted Memory Deletion System (TMDS)
2025 · cited by 0
Outlines the conceptual architecture of targeted memory deletion systems by exploiting reconsolidation and destabilization windows.
Attenuating trauma- and cocaine-related intrusions by blocking memory reconsolidation with minocycline: protocol for a transdiagnostic randomized controlled trial.
2026 · cited by 0
Investigates pharmacological interference with reconsolidation to modulate trauma- and cocaine-related intrusive memories.
Imagine yourself as a little girl…-efficacy and psychophysiology of imagery techniques targeting adverse autobiographical childhood experiences- multi-arm randomised controlled trial.
2025 · cited by 0
Shows that imagery rescripting techniques can successfully modify adverse autobiographical memories and emotional responses.
Dentate Gyrus Engrams in Fear and Reward: Mechanistic Principles, Critical Gaps, and Paths to Translation.
2026 · cited by 0
Explores how memory reactivation opens a window for memory updates and reconsolidation.
Dissociable memory modulation mechanisms facilitate fear amnesia at different timescales.
2025 · cited by 0
Demonstrates that re-exposure protocols can re-evaluate and modify previously learned appetitive memories.
Re-exposure to reward re-evaluates related memories.
2026 · cited by 0
Suggests that specific therapeutic protocols facilitate memory reconsolidation to transform distressing memories.
How tapping works: physiological and psychological mechanisms in energy psychology.