Inflammation of The Brain Significantly Harms Memory Retrieval

Recent findings published in the Journal of Neuroscience show that brain inflammation can be rapidly disrupted by the ability to retrieve complex memories of similar but distinct thought processes.

"Our research provides the first link among immune system activation, altered neural circuit function and impaired discrimination memory," said John Guzowski, the James L. McGaugh Chair in the Neurobiology of Learning & Memory, in a news release. "The implications may be beneficial for those who have chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, in which memory loss occurs and even for cancer patients."

Findings of the study delved into how the immune system signals molecules, called cytokines, and how they impair communication among neurons in the hippocampus--an area of the brain that's critical for discrimination memory.

"The cytokines caused the neural network to react as if no learning had taken place," said Guzowski, associate professor of neurobiology & behavior. "The neural circuit activity was back to the pattern seen before learning.

"It will be interesting to see if limiting neuroinflammation will give cancer patients fewer or no problems," added co-author of the study, Dr. Daniela Bota. "It's a wonderful idea, and it presents a new method to limit brain cell damage, improving quality of life. This is a great example of basic science and clinical ideas coming together to benefit patients."

Researchers believe that the study offers unique insight into just how cognitive deficits occur in many undergoing chemotherapy and other various autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.
Future testing may reveal just how inflammatory effects harm the brain.