What is engram?

An engram is a theoretical concept that refers to the physical representation or biological trace of a memory in the brain. The term was originally introduced by psychologist Richard Semon in the early 20th century to describe the idea that memories leave a lasting imprint in the neural structure of the brain after they are formed. In contemporary neuroscience, the concept of engrams is often associated with the search for the specific patterns of neural activity and the connections between neurons that correspond to particular memories. Researchers investigate how these neural circuits form, change, and are activated when a memory is recalled. The study of engrams is crucial for understanding memory formation, storage, and retrieval, and it may have implications for addressing memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive impairment.