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As we grow older, it’s normal to experience some level of forgetfulness or slower thinking. But what exactly causes this gradual decline in memory and learning? Scientists at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus believe they’ve found an important clue.
In a study published in the journal Science Signaling, researchers identified a brain protein called CaMKII as a key player in the natural cognitive decline that comes with aging. This protein is essential for learning and memory.
When it doesn’t work properly, it can lead to problems in how brain cells communicate—something known as synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for thinking and remembering.
The research team, led by Professor Ulli Bayer, found that a natural process in the brain called S-nitrosylation affects how well CaMKII works. This process involves attaching a small molecule, nitric oxide, to certain proteins in the brain to help regulate their function. One of those proteins is CaMKII.
As people age, the amount of nitric oxide in the body tends to decrease. When this happens, S-nitrosylation also drops, which means CaMKII isn’t being regulated properly. The result? Brain cells have a harder time communicating, and memory and learning abilities begin to fade—even in people without any form of dementia.
To better understand how this works, the scientists conducted experiments on mice. They altered the CaMKII protein in the animals’ brains to prevent S-nitrosylation, and the mice began showing signs of cognitive decline—very similar to what we see in older humans. Their ability to learn and form memories was significantly reduced.
This finding is important because it shows that this one small chemical change in the brain can have a big impact on how we think as we age. Even more promising, Professor Bayer believes that this process might be reversible.
If scientists can find a way to normalize the S-nitrosylation of CaMKII—perhaps through medication—it could help slow down or even prevent normal, age-related memory decline.
“It’s exciting because we know this protein can be targeted,” Bayer said. “And we think it could be done with drugs. That’s the next step in our research.”
However, Bayer was clear that this discovery relates only to cognitive decline linked to normal aging. It doesn’t apply to diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia, which involve more complex changes in the brain.
Still, the potential is significant. If future treatments can protect CaMKII function by restoring S-nitrosylation, they could help millions of older adults stay mentally sharp for longer.
This research adds to a growing body of work aimed at understanding how aging affects the brain. Other recent studies have suggested that certain foods, habits, and antioxidants might also help keep the brain healthy in old age.
As scientists continue to explore how and why the brain changes with age, discoveries like this bring us closer to finding real solutions for age-related cognitive decline—helping people live longer, healthier, and mentally active lives.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about dietary strategies to ward off dementia, and how omega-3 fatty acids fuel your mind.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Choline deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and what to eat (and avoid) for dementia prevention.
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