Neural mechanisms and computations underlying stress effects on learning and memory

Stress has complex effects on memory function that can vary depending on the type of information that is learned and in relation to inter-individual characteristics. Recent work has also shown that stress can switch performance between memory systems, biasing it toward habit in detriment of spatial or goal-directed strategies. In addition, novel synaptic mechanisms have been implicated in the effects of stress in plasticity and memory. Computational modeling is emerging as a useful approach to integrate and to ascertain neural and cognitive computations underlying different effects of stress in memory. Having provided novel explanations for the inverted-U-shaped relationship between stress and cognitive performance, model-based analysis studies can improve our understanding of diverse effects of stress in cognition and psychopathology.

► Stress has complex effects on brain and memory function.
► Glucocorticoids affect memory by acting on glutamate receptors and synaptic proteins.
► Computational approaches are applied to understand stress effects on cognition.
► We analyze behavior using model parameters linked to specific cognitive processes.
► In computational terms stress leads to higher exploitation, steeper future discounting.