I think it's worth noting that a rat's memory is likely to be far less complicated than a human one.
The article does seem to state that it actually interferes with the process of memory, rather than the associated emotions, although I don't know what work has been done to show this. If, as Eve suggested, it blocks short term memory from being transferred into long term memory, it could be administered shortly after a traumatic experience.
As to fears about affecting other memories, if it is given shortly after a major traumatic event, like a plane crash, bomb explosion, etc., I think the chances are that all the short term memory that isn't already in the long term memory will be taken up by that event. I seem to remember from somewhere that you only keep seven things in short term memory - although how much that varies between people, and whether that is the same short term memory being considered here, I don't know.
|