Sparking Memory Loss

Our brain is a treasure trove of memories that form as billions of tiny electrical signals fire off between nerve cells (neurons). Everyday experiences create patterns of signals that vary in type and strength. But, with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease these patterns are disrupted so that treasured memories disappear and new ones are not easily stored. The decline is triggered when two proteins in the brain, called tau and beta amyloid, clump together, and brain cells called astrocytes (here dyed red) accumulate. These tangles multiply, killing vital neurons (shown in blue) as they spread. Scientists have discovered that it’s a highly toxic version of beta-amyloid (shown in green) that ignites this cascade, and escalates spread of disease through the brain. The race is now on to find medicines that can extinguish this spark and protect more memories.

Written by Caroline Cross

Caroline Cross

Writer

Fascinated by the complexities of the human body, Caroline enjoys writing about biomedical research. She spent much of her research career peering down a microscope at cells and parasites, and is constantly amazed at their beauty.

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• George Bloom
• University of Virginia, USA