Is it Possible to Slow Down Age-Related Memory Loss?

A team of researchers from Berlin, Dortmund, and Graz are investigating how the substance spermidine can protect aging brain cells. No 062/2021 from Apr 13, 2021 According to a recent study, age-related memory loss may be preventable. Researchers from Freie Universität Berlin, the NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, the Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften (ISAS) in Dortmund, and the University of Graz found that the substance spermidine - something that is present in all human cells - can protect the mitochondria found in aging brain cells. Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses of the cell" and contain their own genetic material. The use of spermidine enables them to remain functional, as the research team was able to show through investigating the effect of spermidine on the brains of aging fruit flies. The study showed that an uptake of spermidine increased mitochondrial activity in the flies, reducing age-related memory impairment. The study appears in the current edition of the journal.