Re-finding lost memories

Researchers found Alzheimer's mice models exposed to an 'enriched environment' including stimulating cages and colourful toys performed better in memory tasks.

The study published in Nature also examined the biochemical processes in cells in the animal models providing an important insight into how memories are accessed.

Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, says:

'This is a fascinating piece of research which suggests memories lost through neurodegeneration, as seen in Alzheimer's disease, can be refound again.

The study demonstrates how memory can be rediscovered in mice when exposed to an enriched environment. The team compared these results with restoring memory biochemically by manipulating processes in the cells of this animal model, providing an important insight into how memories are accessed. These results cannot automatically be translated to people and a lot more has to be done to narrow the focus on the processes that are involved.

However, by demonstrating that lost memories can be accessed again these results offer hope of a better understanding of what happens to memories as dementia develops. It highlights the role of both an 'enriching environment' and through its focus on biochemical processes could provide important building blocks for new treatments to alleviate the symptoms of dementia.'