# Temporal specialization of the neural memory system: common and distinct neural correlates of recent and remote memory retrieval

## TL;DR

This study explores how the brain retrieves recent and remote memories, finding shared and distinct brain regions involved in the process.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific brain regions associated with recent and remote memory retrieval within the anterior temporal lobe.

## Key findings

- Bilateral activation in the anterior parts of the STG occurs during both recent and remote memory retrieval.
- Bilateral aIC activation is exclusive to recent memory retrieval.
- PMR and vmPFC activity is specific to remote memory retrieval.

## Abstract

Associative memory (AM) is the most basic and common memory form. It constitutes the foundation of the declarative memory system, including all semantic and episodic memory processes. However, despite numerous studies, recent and remote memory retrieval processes in AM still need further elucidation.

Here, we investigated the neurofunctional correlates of recent and remote-related AM retrieval using associative face-name pairs of famous and non-famous individuals in a population of young, healthy adults (N = 23; mean age = 23.39 years). Particular interest was placed on the prominent anterior temporal lobe (ATL) found during recent and remote memory, including the right anterior insular (aIC) cortex and posterior midline region (PMR) previously observed during associative memory retrieval.

The results of the present study revealed significant bilateral activation in the anterior parts of the STG as subdivision of the ATL during recent and remote memory retrieval. In addition, bilateral aIC activation was observed exclusively during recent memory retrieval, while PMR and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) activity was found only during remote memory retrieval.

Thus, the present results corroborate the ATL's role as a common hub not only for AM retrieval but also for recent and remote memory processes. In addition, the recent and remote memory retrieval systems also appear to engage distinct neurofunctional networks to enable successful retrieval of contingent face-name pairs.