Basal forebrain amnesia

Abstract

This article reviews the current evidence on the structural and functional components of basal forebrain amnesia in humans. The structural basis of this form of amnesia is described by bringing together the current findings from rodent, primate and human studies. In considering the anatomy of basal forebrain amnesia, the issues of interdependence and modularity of various neural structures are discussed. The functional components of basal forebrain amnesia are reviewed by considering the strengths and drawbacks of testing different patient groups exhibiting damage to the basal forebrain. These findings are discussed within the context of the dominant theories of memory and amnesia. Within this theoretical context, the importance of task equivalence and process considerations in designing future studies on basal forebrain amnesia is discussed.