The present invention pertains to implementing a lightly doped channel (LDC) implant in fashioning a memory device to improve Vt roll-off, among other things. The lightly doped channel helps to preserve channel integrity such that a threshold voltage (Vt) can be maintained at a relatively stable level and thereby mitigate Vt roll-off. The LDC also facilitates a reduction in buried bitline width and thus allows the bitlines to be brought closer together. As a result more devices can be formed or "packed" within the same or a smaller area.