A link between an enzyme and memory loss in elderly people could in the treatment of disease and in the future. The brain's capacity to incorporate . Elderly people find it harder to learn new information and also modify their memories once new details emerge.
After carrying out a new mice study, researchers from Pennsylvania State University found that this is mainly caused by the enzyme histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3). They discovered that mice with the blocked enzyme found it easier to learn new information, and their performance was similar to that of their younger counterparts. Janine Kwapis, assistant professor of biology at Penn State, said that in order to take on new information, the brain has to bring the existing memory out of storage and weaken it - a process known as reconsolidation.
However, the researcher explained that this process becomes weaker over time. The study looked at the influence of HDAC3 in the reconsolidation process. Scientists noted that when the enzyme was blocked during this phase, it prevented the typical age-related deficits in memory updating.
If further research is carried out, this could potentially lead to therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age, researchers have said. Kwapis said the latest findings "could potentially help with conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia." It comes after found that a weight loss drug similar to could slow down the of Alzheimer's.
GLP-1 agonists, a family of treatments that .