What does the process of reconsolidation in memory involve?

The process of reconsolidation in memory involves making previously stored memories fragile or malleable again after they have been recalled. When a memory is reactivated, it does not simply remain static; instead, it becomes susceptible to modification. This means that during this phase, the memory can be altered or updated with new information before it is stored again, a process known as reconsolidation.

This explains why recalling a memory might change its content; new experiences or emotions can reshape the memory, influencing how it is stored in the future. This dynamic nature of memory highlights that memories are not permanent fixtures but are instead subject to change, depending on the context in which they are accessed and the new information that can be integrated into them. Therefore, the idea that memory becomes fragile and undergoes reconsolidation captures the essence of how our memory processes function, particularly in relation to learning and adaptation over time.