Alzheimer's Disease: Researchers Discover How To Prevent Memory Loss In Mice

Researchers at the University of Basque Country in Spain have discovered how to prevent memory loss in mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Back in 2010, they discovered that in synaptic plasticity is altered by a protein originally described as a tumor suppressor: PTEN. However, in patient's with Alzheimer's, the mechanism that attracts PTEN runs out of control and is driven by beta-amyloids--driving the protein into excessive synapses that result in an imbalance of synaptic plasticity and that impair memory formation. 

During this recent study, researchers developed a molecular tool that lets neurons resist the effects of beta-amyloids. 

They found that blocking beta-amyloids allowed mice with a rodent version of Alzheimer's to maintain their memories.

"Although this is basic research using animal models, these studies contribute to dissect the mechanisms that control our cognitive function, and orient us towards potential therapeutic avenues for mental diseases where these mechanisms are deficient," the researchers said in a news release.

The study is published in the journal Nature. 

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