Lesion type determines memory deficits in humans with hippocampal damage

Introduction: The pivotal role of the hippocampal formation for memory is undisputed in neuro-science. Based on behavioral findings in subjects with discrete cerebral lesions of various etiologies, competing theories have been advanced to explain why hippocampal damage affects distinct memory domains and spares others. Recent findings in monkeys suggest that lesion-induced plasticity may contribute to the seeming preservation of some of these domains. However, there is currently no direct evidence of significant compensation for hippo-campal damage in humans. Here, we tested this hypothesis by investigating asso…