Scientists Identify How the Brain Links Memories HIV drug could combat middle-aged memory loss, research suggests. Our brains seldom record single memories—instead, they store memories into groups so that the recollection of one significant memory triggers the recall of others connected by time. However, as we age, our brains gradually lose this ability to link related memories. Now University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) researchers have discovered a key molecular mechanism behind memory linking. They’ve also identified a way to restore this brain function in middle-aged mice – and an FDA-approved drug that achieves the same thing.
Published today (May 25, 2022) in the journal Nature, the findings suggest a new method for strengthening human memory in middle age and a possible early intervention for dementia.
“Our memories are a huge part of who we are,” explained Alcino Silva, a distinguished professor of neurobiology and psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “The ability to link related experiences teaches how to stay safe and operate successfully in the world.”
A bit of Biology 101: cells are studded with receptors. To enter a cell, a molecule must latch onto its matching receptor, which operates like a doorknob to provide access inside.
The UCLA team focused on a gene called CCR5 that encodes the CCR5 receptor—the same one that HIV hitches a ride on to infect the brain cell and cause memory loss in AIDS patients.
Memory loss (amnesia) is unusual forgetfulness. You may not be able to remember new events, recall one or more memories of the past, or both. The memory loss may be for a short time and then resolve (transient). Or, it may not go away, and, depending on the cause, it can get worse over time.
Dementia
Progressive memory loss is a symptom of dementia. Other symptoms include difficulty with reasoning, judgment, language, and thinking skills. People with dementia can also exhibit behavioral problems and mood swings. Dementia usually starts gradually and gets more noticeable as it progresses. Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease impairs memory and affects reasoning, judgment, and the ability to learn, communicate, and perform everyday functions. People with Alzheimer’s disease can quickly become confused and disoriented. Long-term memories are usually stronger and last longer than memories of recent events. Although it can strike earlier, this progressive disease generally affects people over age 65.
A medical exam for memory loss will include a complete medical history. Bring a family member or trusted friend along to help you. Your doctor will ask questions about the specifics of your problems with memory. They may also ask a few questions to test your memory. Your doctor should also give you a complete physical exam and ask about other physical symptoms.
Depending on the findings of the exam, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, geriatrician, or mental health professional.
Reference: “CCR5 closes the temporal window for memory linking” by Yang Shen, Miou Zhou, Denise Cai, Daniel Almeida Filho, Giselle Fernandes, Ying Cai, André F. de Sousa, Min Tian, Nury Kim, Jinsu Lee, Deanna Necula, Chengbin Zhou, Shuoyi Li, Shelbi Salinas, Andy Liu, Xiaoman Kang, Masakazu Kamata, Ayal Lavi, Shan Huang, Tawnie Silva, Won Do Heo and Alcino J. Silva, 25 May 2022, Nature.
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04783-1
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