New tool boosts brain energy, reverses memory loss in mice.
Scientists developed a tool to boost brain cell energy, reversing memory loss in mice with dementia.
Why it matters
- Low mitochondrial activity may cause cognitive decline in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- New tool, mitoDREADD-Gs, reverses memory loss in mice by boosting mitochondrial activity.
By the numbers
- Study published in Nature Neuroscience.
- Tested in mouse models of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Improved memory performance in mice with early-stage impairments.
The big picture
- Mitochondrial dysfunction may be key in cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Tool offers potential for studying and treating these conditions.
What they're saying
- Excitement about potential implications for human treatment.
- Study highlights progress in mouse models, not yet in humans.
Caveats
- Study conducted in mice; human translation uncertain.
- Gene therapy and chemogenetics not yet clinically approved.
What’s next
- Researchers seek safer, practical ways to develop treatments.
- Further studies needed on molecular events and affected brain cells.