The brain region most involved in higher brain functions is the hippocampus, which has a critical role in memory recollection or associative memory tasks. The underlying mechanisms depend on synaptic integration processes at the single neuron level that are extremely difficult to explore experimentally, and almost impossible to connect with psychological or behavioral findings. The pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region are in a critical position in the hippocampal circuitry to control/modulate these processes. Their electrophysiological and morphological properties make these neurons especially suited to carry out the kind of input signal processing required to carry out objects encoding and recognition from dendritic stimuli association. Using biophysically realistic models of CA1 pyramidal neurons, I will show why these neurons have unique computational properties, and how their electrophysiological behavior can be instrumental in implementing the kind of signal processing needed to support higher brain functions. With interactive simulations, I will also show how this modeling approach can explain puzzling experimental findings, how pathological conditions such as Alzheimer and Schizophrenia can interfere with these processes, and the possible ways in which pathologies could be treated to ameliorate the quality of life of people affected by brain diseases.