CHICAGO: Lost memories banished by Alzheimer’s can in theory be rescued by stimulating nerve cells to grow new connections, a study has shown.
The proof-of-concept research, conducted in mice, raises the possibility of future treatments that reverse memory loss in early stages of the disease.
Scientists used a technique called optogenetics which uses light to activate cells tagged with a special photo-sensitive protein.
It was tested on mice with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms that quickly forgot the experience of receiving a mild electric shock to their feet.
After tagged cells in their brains were stimulated with light, their memory returned and they displayed a fear response when placed in the chamber where the shock had been applied an hour earlier.
The optogenetic treatment helped the neurons re-grow small buds called dendritic spines, which form synaptic connections with other cells.
This study offers the tantalising idea that ‘tagged’ memories can be reactivated by light