Mechanism found that determines natural age-related memory decline
Researchers have identified a protein mechanism that influences cognitive decline with age.Researchers at the University of Colorado have identified a "key mechanism" affecting age-related changes in cognitive function. They believe that memory impairment, attention limitation and other changes are linked to dysregulation of one of the brain's proteins. It could be used as a target for therapy.
The researchers used genetically modified mice that had one of the brain proteins (CaMKII) altered. The alteration turned off the protein's susceptibility to S-nitrosylation (the attachment of a nitric oxide group -NO), one of the mechanisms that regulate protein activity.
The analysis showed that these genetically modified young mice exhibited changes in cognitive brain function characteristic of natural aging: decreased synaptic plasticity and memory. The researchers believe that during the aging process in both mice and humans, the amount of nitric oxide in the body decreases. This reduces protein nitrosylation and consequently affects memory and learning ability.
"The current study shows that a reduction in this CaMKII modification is sufficient to cause impairments in synaptic plasticity and memory that are similar to aging," Ulli Bayer, co-author of the study.
The researchers are working to develop a targeted therapy that will affect how the CaMKII protein works. This would slow down the changes associated with natural aging. The method will only work for natural cognitive decline, but not for Alzheimer's disease and dementia, the development of which is associated with other factors.