FK-KMK UGM. The discourse on stress in the learning process and human memory was highlighted at the inauguration of the Professor of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Gadjah Mada University (FK-KMK UGM) in the Senate Hall of UGM (23/4). This was stated by Prof. Dr. dr. Dwi Cahyani Ratna Sari, M.Kes., PA(K)., in her inaugural speech entitled ‘The Role of the Hippocampus in the Learning and Memory Process: Response to Stress and the Use of Herbal Pegagan.’
“In the era of neuroscience research, especially modern neuroscience, knowledge about the complexity of the human brain is growing,” said Prof. Cahyani in her opening speech.
As a Professor in Anatomy, she focuses on the hippocampus as an important center for learning, memory consolidation, and cognitive mapping function. Thus, it affects intellectual and social intelligence. In her findings, Prof. Cahyani, or fondly known as Prof. Ani, stated that the hippocampus is vulnerable to dysfunction due to stress. This is due to the expression of glucocorticoid receptors in the hippocampus. Thus, the hippocampus can be damaged through the Hypothalamic axis which can disrupt learning ability and memory deficit in humans.
“One of the examinations or therapy developments for memory deficits is the active development of one of the herbal plants, Centella asiatica, or better known as pegagan,” she emphasized.
Prof. Cahyani hopes that this finding can be one of the interventions in overcoming post-stress memory deficits in humans.
“Hopefully, the development of this science and knowledge can help us in taking care of brain health and overall well-being,” she continued.
In concluding her speech, Prof. Ani did not forget to express her gratitude to all parties involved in her achievement. This includes family, teachers, and lecturers, as well as colleagues at FK-KMK UGM.
Furthermore, the emergence of a new Professor for Prof. Cahyani at FK-KMK UGM is a form of commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, goal 4, Quality Education, followed by SDGs 3 Good Health and Well-being, and SDGs 5 Gender Equality. (Isroq Adi Subakti/Reporter)
