Cholinergic modulation of the hippocampal region and memory function

Acetylcholine (ACh) plays an important role in memory function and has been implicated in aging‐related dementia, in which the impairment of hippocampus‐dependent learning strongly manifests. Cholinergic neurons densely innervate the hippocampus, mediating the formation of episodic as well as semantic memory. Here, we will review recent findings on acetylcholine's modulation of memory function, with a particular focus on hippocampus‐dependent learning, and the circuits involved. In addition, we will discuss the complexity of ACh actions in memory function to better understand the physiological role of ACh in memory. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms. The neuromodulator acetylcholine (ACh) plays a critical role in memory function, especially in the hippocampus‐dependent learning. The cholinergic system is severely affected in Alzheimer's disease, implicating its role in memory. In this review, the current knowledge on the cholinergic system and its modulation of hippocampal circuits have been reviewed. Furthermore, we describe factors that contribute to the complexity of ACh actions in memory function. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.