Anterior cingulate and dementia

'The recent report Dr Silva et al suggested that a region of the brain called the anterior cingulate is responsible for retrieving and storing distant memories. The anterior cingulate is an important structure which has a key role in the connections between the cortex of the brain and the underlying sub-cortical structures, and which plays an important part in mood and emotion.

The team took a rigorous approach, confirming their findings in three different experiments in genetically engineered mice. A lot of research in Alzheimer's disease has focussed upon another brain structure called the hippocampus, which processes recent memory. Dr Silva's research opens up a new field of investigation with the potential of developing new and innovative treatments to improve memory.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research