Vestibular contribution to memory processing

Abstract

Background and Aim: The vestibular system contributes in the stabilization of the head and body, orientation, and gazing through the pro­cessing of sensory inputs. A wealth of evidence supports the involvement of vestibular informa­tion in higher functions, too.Methods: In this paper, we reviewed the pre­vious studies on the effect of the vestibular sys­tem on memory as one of the cognitive func­tions.Results: Clinical and laboratory findings indi­cate the association of vestibular inputs (besides postural control and oculomotor) with a variety of higher functions, especially memory func­tion. Because part of the memory function is determined by other cognitive processes i.e. att­ention capacity, emotional disturbances, and executive functions, the study of the effect of vestibular inputs on these functions provides a more accurate view of how the vestibular inputs affect memory performance.Conclusion: Although our current knowledge on vestibular-memory interaction is increasing, the exact involvement of vestibular signals in memory representations is still unclear and needs further studies to determine the theore­tical basis of vestibular involvement in memory processing.