• are horror movies more memorable in the long term due to potential release of epinephrine, increasing neuroplasticity?

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    Horror movies might indeed be more memorable due to the release of epinephrine (adrenaline), which enhances neuroplasticity, consolidating memories. explains that epinephrine, released during emotionally intense experiences, elevates alertness and primes the brain to encode memories more effectively. This effect is augmented if the adrenaline spike occurs immediately after the experience, aiding in stamping down the memory for long-term retention 1.

    Additionally, notes that emotional and intense events can lead to significant memory retention due to the neurochemical state they provoke, primarily involving adrenaline. This process is integral to how memories of significant or stressful events, such as those depicted in horror movies, become ingrained in our memory 2 3. The consolidation of these memories is further facilitated during sleep, when the actual changes in the brain's synapses occur 4.

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