Sweet Memories: Dark Chocolate Enhances Memory Formation

Sweet Memories: Dark Chocolate Enhances Memory Formation

Canadian scientists found that epicatechin, a chemical in cocoa, can improve memory when applied immediately after a learning task

Those with a sweet tooth may be excited to know that dark chocolate can potentially improve our memory, due to a flavanol in cocoa, known as epicatechin (epi). Researchers at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary in Canada, have discovered that epicatechin (epi) is most effective in boosting memory formation when immediately applied after a learning exercise. Previous research on snails has shown that epicatechin can reverse memory loss. In humans, it can reduce cognitive impairment, and improve cognitive performance in the elderly.

In the experiment, learning and memory are treated as two different, but closely related processes. Learning is when there is a change in behaviour because of the learning exercise, and memory is the ability to recall the change that was taught. There is also a consolidation period, when memories from the lesson are converted to long-term memory. During this period, memory can be altered either by enhancing or suppressing it with different stimuli. Therefore, the aim of the experiment was to see if there is any major effect when epi is applied during this consolidation period.

Scientists ran separate trials on snails by placing them in water, and exposing them either to epicatechin at different times in relation to the learning exercise. During the learning exercise, the snails would sometimes open their breathing pore to breathe. If they did, the experimenters touched their pores to close them. After training, the snails take an hour to consolidate what they have learned. A day after, they were tested to see if the attempt to hold their breath had changed. If there were fewer attempts at breathing, they had successfully learned and formed long-term memory.

In three separate trials, the snails were exposed to epicatechin before training, immediately after training, and an hour after training. Results showed that there was a reduction in pore opening only in the second trial. The other two trials showed no decrease in breathing attempts, meaning the snails had not learned from the exercise. This showed that the best time to administer epicatechin was immediately after the exercise, confirming the researchers’ hypothesis that epicatechin given during the consolidation period enhanced recall ability.

The results may seem like common sense to some – the best time to use a memory-enhancing chemical, is when memory consolidation happens. Conversely, memory formation can be prevented during the consolidation period. In a separate trial, researchers placed snails in cold water (4^oC) immediately after the learning exercise, and found that the cold prevented memory formation.

However, a previous experiment using a thermal stimulus (instead of touch) showed that epicatechin was most effective when applied an hour before the learning exercise, instead of immediately after. The mechanism for memory formation in each situation is possibly different, therefore the timing at which epicatechin should be applied is also different.

Additionally, the mechanism in which epicatechin affects brain chemistry is still unknown, but currently being studied. Neural experiments being carried out show that epicatechin alters the activity of a neuron required for memory formation, reconsolidation, and forgetting.

Despite epicatechin's brain-enhancing effects on snails and humans, it is not recommended to take this as an opportunity to binge on dark chocolate. However, as scientific research progresses and gain a better understanding of the mechanisms and effects of epicatechin, the ability to improve our minds is within our reach, as our understanding of brain chemistry increases.

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Reference:

Fernell, M., Swinton, C., & Lukowiak, K. (2016). Epicatechin, a component of dark chocolate, enhances memory formation if applied during the memory consolidation period. Communicative & Integrative Biology, 9(4). doi:10.1080/19420889.2016.1205772

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Written as a trial piece for SP 1541: Exploring Science Communication Through Popular Science, before being introduced to skills and techniques for scientific writing.