Memory stays strong in old age when this brain enzyme is active
Researchers have identified a brain enzyme that helps preserve cognitive resilience and neuron growth in aging mice. This discovery offers potential insights into how the brain protects itself against age-related cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Identifying mechanisms of cognitive resilience is a critical step in developing future treatments for dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.
Asher Mullard is a science journalist based in Ottawa.
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Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Whatsapp X Save article View saved research Screening of mouse hippocampus cells (pictured) identified an enzyme whose production rose with age. Credit: Talley Lambert/Science Photo Library
An enzyme found in the brain could help to preserve cognitive resilience with advancing age, according to research in mice, humans and cells 1 .
Researchers found that high levels of the enzyme are linked to low levels of inflammation in the brains of aged mice. They also showed that the enzyme boosts the growth of neurons in ageing brains . The findings were reported on 15 October in Nature Neuroscience .
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