Imagine an age when cognitive decline is a thing of the past. As we age, most of us tend to experience some degree of decrease in cognitive function. But it is when these symptoms turn into diseases, like Alzheimer’s, that it becomes very serious. Today, there are researchers from the University of Florida who claim to have a potential cure for reversing cognitive decline in adults. Sound ambitious? Yes. But they do back up their claim with good evidence.
The Study – One Step Closer to a Cure
The study, which was published in the Journal of Neuroscience, was led by Professor Jennifer Bizon. She explains that the type of memory responsible for remembering day-to-day things is called “Working Memory”. People use this memory for everyday things, like calculating a bill or managing finances. But in order for these functions to work properly, there needs to be a right balance of chemicals interacting in the brain.
They study discovered that high levels of inhibitory brain neurotransmitters known as “GABA,” disrupted working memory. A normal GABA level will allow regular cell activation in the brain, but an overdose of GABA will cause cells to become too active (something that is often associated with epilepsy or schizophrenia).
Researchers created a drug that is designed to block GABA receptors in the brain – which will support active memory. Although the drug is not ready to be tested on human trials, additional development and research is being placed on making it better. Eventually, the research team hopes that a safe drug can be developed to treat seniors experiencing cognitive decline.
Drugs, like the ones being produced at the University of Florida, will be able to step in and produce amazing results. Once perfected, this drug will make the lives of seniors far more enjoyable as they can experience greater cognitive function- even in old age.
