Processes that stabilize or reorganize information after acquisition. Synaptic consolidation concerns cellular changes, whereas systems consolidation concerns changing interactions among brain regions. Better later performance need not mean a literal transfer of a complete memory between two stores.
Time-dependent reorganization of the neural circuits supporting retention and retrieval, often involving interactions between the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Whether a particular detailed episode becomes independent of the hippocampus is a further empirical question.
An account in which reactivation of recently encoded representations during offline states modifies distributed neural circuits. Coordination of hippocampal sharp-wave ripples, sleep spindles and cortical sleep slow oscillations provides a candidate timing mechanism. Reactivation, strengthened behaviour and permanent cortical storage are distinct claims requiring different evidence.
Stabilization involving cellular and synaptic plasticity mechanisms after learning, rather than only continued sensory input or working-memory rehearsal.
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