Method of Loci studied:
http://www.cell.com/neuron/abstract/S0896-6273(17)30087-9
"Highlights
•Memory champions show distributed functional brain network connectivity changes
•Mnemonic strategies for superior memory can be learned by naive subjects
•Mnemonic training induces similarity with memory champion brain connectivity
•Brain network dynamics of this effect differ between task and resting state
Summary
Memory skills strongly differ across the general population; however, little is known about the brain characteristics supporting superior memory performance. Here we assess functional brain network organization of 23 of the world’s most successful memory athletes and matched controls with fMRI during both task-free resting state baseline and active memory encoding. We demonstrate that, in a group of naive controls, functional connectivity changes induced by 6 weeks of mnemonic training were correlated with the network organization that distinguishes athletes from controls. During rest, this effect was mainly driven by connections between rather than within the visual, medial temporal lobe and default mode networks, whereas during task it was driven by connectivity within these networks. Similarity with memory athlete connectivity patterns predicted memory improvements up to 4 months after training. In conclusion, mnemonic training drives distributed rather than regional changes, reorganizing the brain’s functional network organization to enable superior memory performance."
Also published in Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat: http://www.hs.fi/paivanlehti/10032017/art-2000005120085.html
