Scientists claim to have solved the mystery of how stress contributes to memory loss in old age.
Researchers at Edinburgh University have shown how two receptors in older brains react to the stress hormone cortisol, which has been linked to memory loss in the elderly.
科學(xué)家們表明他們已經(jīng)揭開(kāi)了壓力如何導(dǎo)致老年記憶衰退之秘。愛(ài)丁堡大學(xué)的研究者解釋了兩個(gè)老化的大腦感受器如何對(duì)應(yīng)激激素皮質(zhì)醇作出反應(yīng),這跟老年記憶衰退有關(guān)。
The study found that one receptor was activated by low levels of cortisol, which helped memory.
研究發(fā)現(xiàn)一個(gè)感受器被低水平的皮質(zhì)醇所激活,有助于記憶力。
However, once levels of the hormone were too high they spilled over on to a second receptor, activating brain processes which contribute to memory impairment.
然而,一旦激素水平過(guò)高,就會(huì)溢出灑向第二個(gè)感受器,激活大腦運(yùn)作導(dǎo)致記憶障礙。
When the receptor linked to poor memory was blocked, the memory recall problem was reversed.
當(dāng)連接到健忘的感受器被阻塞,記憶恢復(fù)問(wèn)題就會(huì)被改變。
The experiment based on older mice navigating a maze, was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
The research helps explain why too much stress over a prolonged period interferes with the normal processes in storing everyday memories.
This is despite the fact that a little bit of stress can help us better remember emotional memories.
Dr Joyce Yau said: 'While we know that stress hormones affect memory, this research explains how the receptors they engage with can switch good memory to poorly-functioning memory in old age.'
以大老鼠走迷宮為基礎(chǔ)的實(shí)驗(yàn)發(fā)表在《神經(jīng)科學(xué)雜志》上。
該研究解釋了為什么長(zhǎng)期過(guò)多壓力會(huì)影響日常儲(chǔ)存記憶的正常程序。
盡管一點(diǎn)點(diǎn)壓力可以幫助我們更好地進(jìn)行情緒記憶。
Joyce Yau教授說(shuō):“我們知道應(yīng)激激素影響記憶,該研究解釋了參與的兩個(gè)感受器如何在老年時(shí)將良好記憶轉(zhuǎn)換成不良記憶。”
She added that understanding the mechanisms in the brain, which affect memory as we age, will help find ways to combat conditions linked to memory loss.
The study was funded by the Medical Research Council.
她還說(shuō),了解隨著年齡老化影響記憶的大腦機(jī)制有助于找到與記憶衰退有關(guān)問(wèn)題的解決方法。
該研究得到了醫(yī)學(xué)研究理事會(huì)的資助。
Professor Chris Kennard, of the MRC, said: 'This research highlights some interesting, original concepts relating to why memory loss occurs in old age.
'With people living ever longer, the MRC is really focusing on research which allows elderly people not just to survive, but also to stay healthy.'
The researchers are looking at a new chemical compound which blocks an enzyme, known as 11beta-HSD1, which helps produce stress hormones within cells.
MRC的教授Chris Kennard說(shuō):“這項(xiàng)研究重點(diǎn)介紹了一些原始有趣的觀念,即關(guān)于為什么老年人記憶會(huì)衰退。”
“隨著人們活的越來(lái)越長(zhǎng),MRC真正關(guān)注的研究不僅是老年人的生存,而且是他們健康地生活!
研究人員在關(guān)注一種新的化合物11beta-HSD1,它能阻礙一種酶,可以幫助細(xì)胞產(chǎn)生應(yīng)激激素。
They hope this could be used to develop a drug treatment to slow the normal decline in memory associated with ageing, or even improve memory in people who are very old.
他們希望這種化合物可以用來(lái)發(fā)明一種藥物治療,放慢由于變老造成的正常記憶衰退速度,甚至提高老年人的記憶力。
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