“It is really a reversal of the deteriorations of memory due to age. It is something much deeper than simply retracting or preventing symptoms“.
Manipulation of a specific protein, FTL1can restore brain functions and reverse lost memories, according to a study in the journal Nature Aging reveals this month.
The focus of the investigation was the hippocampuscentral region for memory and learning, which is particularly vulnerable to aging. Scientists have noted that FTL1 protein accumulates in this region over time, coinciding with a drastic reduction of neuronal connections and remembrance ability.
Rat experiences showed that high levels of FTL1 in young animals caused cognitive deficits similar to those of older rats, including loss of neuronal branch and failures in memory tests.
In revealing the situation, by reducing the amount of ftl1 in elderly rats, neuronal connections recovered themselvesand animals have achieved results in memory tests comparable to those of young specimens, investigators explain to.
Laboratory tests showed that stimulating cellular metabolism could prevent these effects.
Scientists also confirmed that memory loss is not due to neuronal death, but rather to the deterioration of synapses and energy metabolism, both subject to recovery.
Although the results have been obtained only in male rats, researchers are optimistic about future humans and female models. The team has already started studying drugs that can block FTL1 and return mental youth to aged brains.
