Rewiring the Aging Brain: Key Enzyme Could Be the Secret to Sharper Memory in Old Age

Penn State researchers discovered that blocking the enzyme HDAC3 improves memory updating in older mice, potentially offering new treatment avenues for age-related cognitive decline and memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

As we age, occasional forgetfulness becomes more common. However, it’s not just about struggling to recall new information—older adults also find it challenging to update existing memories when new details arise. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms behind memory updating and how those mechanisms go awry with age.

A team of researchers from Penn State has identified an enzyme that contributes to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice were better able to incorporate new information and performed similarly to their younger counterparts. The researchers said the findings, which were published in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, may lead to the development of potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.