Don't know what good this will do you since I'm sure your doctor has no way of determining this and nothing to solve it.
http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=144759&CultureCode=en
Scientists at the University of Warwick have provided the first
evidence that the lack of a naturally occurring protein is linked to
early signs of dementia.
Published in Nature Communications, the research found that
the absence of the protein MK2/3 promotes structural and physiological
changes to cells in the nervous system. These changes were shown to have
a significant correlation with early signs of dementia, including
restricted learning and memory formation capabilities.
An absence of MK2/3, in spite of the brain cells (neurons) having
significant structural abnormalities, did not prevent memories being
formed, but did prevent these memories from being altered.
The results have led the researchers to call for greater attention to be paid to studying MK2/3.
Lead researcher and author Dr Sonia Corrêa says that “Understanding
how the brain functions from the sub-cellular to systems level is vital
if we are to be able to develop ways to counteract changes that occur
with ageing.
“By demonstrating for the first time that the MK2/3 protein, which is
essential for neuron communication, is required to fine-tune memory
formation this study provides new insight into how molecular mechanisms
regulate cognition”.
Neurons can adapt memories and make them more relevant to current
situations by changing the way they communicate with other cells.
Information in the brain is transferred between neurons at synapses
using chemicals (neurotransmitters) released from one (presynaptic)
neuron which then act on receptors in the next (postsynaptic) neuron in
the chain.
MK2/3 regulates the shape of spines in properly functioning
postsynaptic neurons. Postsynaptic neurons with MK2/3 feature wider,
shorter spines (Fig.1) than those without (Fig2) - see attached diagram and photo.
The researchers found that change, caused by MK2/3’s absence, in the
spine’s shape restricts the ability of neurons to communicate with each
other, leading to alterations in the ability to acquire new memories.
“Deterioration of brain function commonly occurs as we get older but,
as result of dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases, it can occur
earlier in people’s lives”, says Dr Corrêa. “For those who develop the
early signs of dementia it becomes more difficult for them to adapt to
changes in their life, including performing routine tasks.
“For example, washing the dishes; if you have washed them by hand
your whole life and then buy a dishwasher it can be difficult for those
people who are older or have dementia to acquire the new memories
necessary to learn how to use the machine and mentally replace the old
method of washing dishes with the new. The change in shape of the
postsynaptic neuron due to absence of MK2/3 is strongly correlated with
this inability to acquire the new memories”.
Dr Corrêa argues that “Given their vital role in memory formation,
MK2/3 pathways are important potential pharmaceutical targets for the
treatment of cognitive deficits associated with ageing and dementia.”
http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2014/140819/ncomms5701/full/ncomms5701.html
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