Health & Medicine
Lack of Naturally Occurring Protein Could Have Something to Do with the Early Signs of Dementia
Kathleen Lees
First Posted: Aug 26, 2014 04:02 PM EDT
As many adults age, their minds might not be quite as sharp as they once were. Unfortunately, contiuously foggy thoughts or muddled speech may also an early symptom of dementia.
While researchers are still working to determine the exact cause of this health issue, a new study conducted by scientists at the University of Warwick has shown that lack of a naturally occurring protein may have something to do with it.
Researchers found that an absence of MK2/3, a protein that promotes structural and physiological changes to cells in the nervous system, may also have a significant correlation to the early signs of dementia.
"Understanding how the brain functions from the sub-cellular to systems level is vital if we are to be able to develop ways to counteract changes that occur with ageing," said lead study author Dr. Sonia Correa, in a news release. "By demonstrating for the first time that the MK2/3 protein, which is essential for neuron communication, is required to fine-tune memory formation this study provides new insight into how molecular mechanisms regulate cognition".
MK2/3 helps to regulate the shape of spines in properly functioning postsynaptic neurons. Researchers found that problems resulting from ascent MK2/3 proteins could lead to alterations in the ability to acquire new memories.
"Deterioration of brain function commonly occurs as we get older but, as result of dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases, it can occur earlier in people's lives", Corrêa added. "For those who develop the early signs of dementia it becomes more difficult for them to adapt to changes in their life, including performing routine tasks.
"For example, washing the dishes; if you have washed them by hand your whole life and then buy a dishwasher it can be difficult for those people who are older or have dementia to acquire the new memories necessary to learn how to use the machine and mentally replace the old method of washing dishes with the new. The change in shape of the postsynaptic neuron due to absence of MK2/3 is strongly correlated with this inability to acquire the new memories".
More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Nature Communications.
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First Posted: Aug 26, 2014 04:02 PM EDT
As many adults age, their minds might not be quite as sharp as they once were. Unfortunately, contiuously foggy thoughts or muddled speech may also an early symptom of dementia.
While researchers are still working to determine the exact cause of this health issue, a new study conducted by scientists at the University of Warwick has shown that lack of a naturally occurring protein may have something to do with it.
Researchers found that an absence of MK2/3, a protein that promotes structural and physiological changes to cells in the nervous system, may also have a significant correlation to the early signs of dementia.
"Understanding how the brain functions from the sub-cellular to systems level is vital if we are to be able to develop ways to counteract changes that occur with ageing," said lead study author Dr. Sonia Correa, in a news release. "By demonstrating for the first time that the MK2/3 protein, which is essential for neuron communication, is required to fine-tune memory formation this study provides new insight into how molecular mechanisms regulate cognition".
MK2/3 helps to regulate the shape of spines in properly functioning postsynaptic neurons. Researchers found that problems resulting from ascent MK2/3 proteins could lead to alterations in the ability to acquire new memories.
"Deterioration of brain function commonly occurs as we get older but, as result of dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases, it can occur earlier in people's lives", Corrêa added. "For those who develop the early signs of dementia it becomes more difficult for them to adapt to changes in their life, including performing routine tasks.
"For example, washing the dishes; if you have washed them by hand your whole life and then buy a dishwasher it can be difficult for those people who are older or have dementia to acquire the new memories necessary to learn how to use the machine and mentally replace the old method of washing dishes with the new. The change in shape of the postsynaptic neuron due to absence of MK2/3 is strongly correlated with this inability to acquire the new memories".
More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Nature Communications.
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone