Mechanism of Memory and Mentation

Abstract

This article advances a conceptual model outlining a biochemical tripartite mechanism of memory and mentation in the brain.It emphasizes the key contributions of neuronal circuits, astrocyte clusters, the neural extracellular matrix/perineuronal net (nECM/ PNN) and metals/neurotransmitters as an integrated framework for encoding, storing, and recalling memory at the molecular level.Unlike models focused solely on electrical signal transmission or binary coding, this narrative posits that memory and conscious experience (mentation) emerge from the chemical interactions of brain cells, their extracellular environment encoded with doping effectors.The operational components of the tripartite mechanism of memory and mentation are:• Brain Cells -neuron circuits which communicate with the body (in-out) and glial cell clusters (astrocytes) which perform mental functions.• Matrix-nECM/PNN, a complex glycosamino-glycan which engulfs all cells and performs as a "memory material" (i.e.library).• Dopants -metal cations and neurotransmitters (NTs) which encode experience within the nECM/PNN, effectively using both dopants to encode "emotive memory".The tripartite mechanism of biochemical memory is presented chemographically with a chemical shorthand that summarizes the molecular features of recalled emotive states.It is consonant with the material options available to the brain cells.We review recent evidence on astrocyte-mediated information processing, nECM/PNN structure-function relationships and the pivotal roles of metal cations and dopants in molecular memory encoding.Theoretical implications of the proposed tripartite mechanism span neuroscience, cognitive science, and educational research, offering new perspectives on how molecular processes shape emotional memory, learning and consciousness.The model encourages future research on the molecular dynamics of the nECM/PNN and the translational potential of targeting astrocyte-matrix interactions for clinical mental health interventions.