New discovery sheds light on process of memory function

Neuroscientists in Australia have made an inaugural discovery that could help anti-aging physicians better understand the regulation of memory function.

Researchers at the University of Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) were able to identify how new cells form in the area of the brain that governs learning and memory - core aspects of cognitive performance which are known to deteriorate in patients with stroke and dementia.

QBI director, professor Perry Bartlett, explained: "Studies have so far failed to identify a resident stem cell population in the hippocampus that's capable of providing the renewable source of these essential nerve cells."

The scientists hope that the discovery will enable anti-aging physicians in the future to use new therapeutics to stimulate the production of neurons and help reverse cognitive degeneration associated with aging dementia.

Commenting on the findings, the study's co-author Dr Tara Walker added: "These significant advances in determining the molecular regulation of nerve production will also have a major impact on our understanding of more complex areas such as behaviour, cognition, neurological disease and mental illness."