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Li-Huei Tsai, a neuroscientist at MIT, is developing new ways to target gene expression in the brain, in the hope of improving memory.

I wonder what the long term implications for a drug which claims memory loss reversal.

The idea of a pill for memory loss sounds like pure science-fiction. But scientists from the Massachusetts Institute for Technology have taken a first important step to making it a reality, at least for mice.

The mice didn't grow any new neurons, and their brains remained the same size. But Fischer found that they did have many more synapses - the connections between nerve cells - than brain-damaged peers. Even though they had lost a substantial number of neurons, their enriched environments triggered the surviving cells to re-wire themselves.

HDACs or histone deacetylases control whether genes are switched on or off by altering other proteins called histones.

HDACs change the histones so that they wrap more tightly around DNA and render its genetic code unreadable. Any genes contained in these stretches of DNA are silenced. Drugs like sodium butyrate (SB) neutralize HDACs, freeing DNA from the repressive grip of histones.

Any silenced genes can now be freely switched on and among these, are genes that allow the brain's neurons to sprout new synapses.

I suppose any light at the end of a blank and dark tunnel is a good one. and I do feel further research in this area can only help matters. I think it's great that Li-Huei Tsai has the ambition to tackle memory loss. I just hope everyone keeps their pants on and doesn't jump the gun so to speak, because this brain rewiring sounds to me as though it could end up causing trouble. I hate being skeptical though; it will be interesting to learn more.

Labels: Alzheimer Disease, memory

We interrupt your normal wellness broadcast for some whining.

What does it mean when your legs are really sore and stiff even though you haven't done anything strenuous?

I know being pregnant means going through a lot of changes, but I don't remember having such bad headaches and such horrible stiffness in my muscles. Of course Braeden is almost five and so it has been awhile, but could my memory be THAT bad?

Perhaps I need some sort of pregnancy massage? Haha, it is funny to me because tomorrow I will be 5 weeks along and as far as I am concerned it is FAR TOO EARLY to feel this bad!

I am welcoming any tips.

And now for your regularly scheduled program.

I read an article this morning on something referred to as "flashbulb memory" it was printed today on the anniversary of 9/11. As I am sure most people who know about 9/11, I have what I imagine is a perfect memory of exactly what I was doing and where I was on that tragic morning. I was on campus at the University of Delaware sitting in an American Lit. class in Memorial Hall.

Can I consider this a flashbulb memory? A flashbulb memory is a memory that was laid down in great detail during a personally significant event, often a shocking event of national or international importance. These memories are perceived to have a "photographic" quality.

It turns out that the act of remembering a memory actually changes the memory itself. Although we like to imagine our memories as immutable impressions, like a data file on a computer hard drive, our memories are actually a ceaseless process. Every time we remember anything, the neuronal structure of the memory is delicately transformed, a process called reconsolidation. (Freud called this process Nachtraglichkeit, or "retroactivity".) The memory is altered in the absence of the original stimulus, becoming less about what you remember and more about you. - SOURCE

Hmm, makes you wonder. Somehow it makes me feel better to think my memory is accurate and vivid because of how intense the event. But I suppose it is possible it has changed over the years. And this is why I blog. =o)

Labels: flashbulb memory, memory

Cognitive Daily posted a really interesting article on their site this morning.

In 5 experiments, the authors examined the perceptual and cognitive processes used to track the locations of objects during locomotion. Participants learned locations of 9 objects on the outer part of a turntable from a single viewpoint while standing in the middle of the turntable. They subsequently pointed to objects while facing the learning heading and a new heading, using imagined headings that corresponded to their current actual body heading and the other actual heading.

There are times when it's just as easy to imagine an object moving along with us as it is to imagine it staying in the same place as we ourselves moves. Previously, many researchers had assumed that we are simply better at imagining objects staying in the same place, but this study demonstrates that when we truly believe an object is moving along with us, we can track it in our minds just as easily as if it was standing still.

SOURCE

Labels: brain, cognitive daily, memory

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is currently drawing attention to the need for memory screening. Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month is November and so the National Memory Screening Day is November 13, 2007. It is a day when the promotion of early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses is heightened. There will be 2,000 sites in 46 states will offer confidential memory screenings, education about Alzheimer's disease and successful aging, and access to local resources.

Screenings are not just important for those experiencing memory loss. Those who really don't have a concern at the moment should still consider having a screening done so they have a basis to compare future results of screens.

In addition to having a memory screening done, the AFA explains how important it is to find out early on how to best optimize your memory. One can improve their memory overtime, but they need to have a starting point to keep track of progress.

Last year, about 21,000 people participated in memory screenings at more
than 700 sites nationwide on National Memory Screening Day. An estimated 10
percent of those screened were advised to follow up with a health care
professional for further evaluation.

I encourage you to participate on November 13th, but I also implore you to share this knowledge with your loved ones. Word of mouth can go a long way!

Labels: Alzheimer Disease, memory

Boston College psychologist, Elizabeth Kensinger did a study on how emotions impact memory. She found negative events being remembered in greater detail than positive ones.

"Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), studies have shown increased cellular activity in emotion-processing regions at the time that a negative event is experienced."

You can read more about the research in the August issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science. But essentially Kensinger says this knowledge of memory/emotion connections can help to prove the validity of eyewitness testimonies in a court of law, amongst other things.

Labels: brain, memory