2023-12-25 15:00:37
Researchers at the Catholic University of Sacro Cuore, in Italy, have developed a genetically modified protein that improves memory when activated by a medication. The results were published in November in the journal Science Advances.
The research team modified the LIMK1 protein, which plays a key role in memory, to add a molecular switch activated by the consumption of rapamycin, a drug known for its diverse anti-aging effects on the brain.
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To test the effectiveness of this gene therapy, the researchers administered the modified protein to elderly mice that showed cognitive decline. They assessed cognitive improvement in rodents through observation of behaviors and memory tests.
In addition, the team investigated changes in the brain’s synapses, especially in the hippocampus, a brain region with a fundamental role in memory formation. The molecular switch made it possible to understand how the activation of this modified protein affected the synapses and, consequently, the rats’ memorization.
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Keeping the brain active with stimulating activities is one of the main strategies that help with memory. See tips on what to do! Robina Weermeijer/Unsplash
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It is important that memory care is daily. So, before going to sleep, try to remember the activities you did throughout the day Freepik
***Puzzle
Practice specific memory exercises, such as word games, sudoku, 7 errors, word searches, dominoes, crosswords or putting together a puzzle Gregory Van Gansen/Getty Images
***healthy food eating
Consume foods rich in omega 3, such as sardines, tuna, salmon, chia, flaxseed, chestnuts, walnuts and olive oil. They contain nutrients that facilitate memorization and prevent forgetting Getty Images
***Electric tooth brush
Using your non-dominant hand to perform activities such as writing, brushing your teeth, leafing through a book or opening a door, for example, can also help with memory Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
***person driving with covid coronavirus mask
Change the route: go to work by different routes than usual, as breaking the routine stimulates the brain to think Norma Mortenson/Pexels
***café
Consume caffeinated drinks – sparingly, of course – such as green tea or coffee, to keep your brain alert, making it easier to capture information and remember Getty Images
***furniture
Change the location of some objects that you use a lot on a daily basis, such as the trash can and house keys imaginima/GETTYIMAGES
****Supermarket
Make a shopping list every time you go to the supermarket, but try not to use it, trying to remember what you wrote.
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Take a shower with your eyes closed and try to remember where the items in the room are Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
***conversation
Try reading a book or watching a movie and then telling someone about it. This will stimulate concentration and memory Freepik
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According to the research leader, Cláudio Grassi, the investigation has potential application, as it expands the understanding of this important brain function. “The molecular switch is the modified protein associated with the medicine. It facilitates the identification of innovative solutions for neuropsychiatric diseases, such as dementia”, he highlighted in a press release.
Memory is positively affected
The results showed a “significant improvement in memory” in animals undergoing this gene therapy, providing important insights into the potential of this approach to positively impact cognitive function under conditions of such age-related decline.
According to Cristian Ripoli, one of the study’s authors, the approach is innovative and could revolutionize neurological research and therapy, in addition to opening doors for the development of new proteins.
“The next step is to test the effectiveness of this treatment in experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, and carry out further studies to validate its potential use in humans,” said Ripoli.
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