Researchers found evidence that a lack of a naturally occurring protein is linked to dementia.
The absence of the protein MK2/3 promotes structural and physiological changes to nervous system cells, the University of Warwick reported. These changes were correlated with early signs of dementia, such as the loss of the ability to form memories.
"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 [aging]. 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," said lead researcher and author Dr. Sonia Corrêa.
Neurons adapt memories and relate them to the current situation by changing the way they interact with cells. Information is transmitted between neurons and synapses via neurotransmitters which are released from one neuron and passed to the next.
MK2/3 was found to be responsible for regulating the shape of spines in properly functioning postsynaptic neurons. Dementia occurs often in the elderly, but in some individuals it occurs early on;
"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," Corrêa said.
"Given their vital role in memory formation, MK2/3 pathways are important potential pharmaceutical targets for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with ageing and dementia," she said.
The findings were published in a recent edition of Nature Communications.
