With the increase of lifespan, age-related memory decline is affecting an increasing number of people. Although there is much known about neurobiological disorders, the processes underlying memory decline during normal biological aging are less understood. To investigate these processes at the level of defined circuits and individual neurons is problematic in vertebrates. The great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis), a well-established model organism in memory research, provides an opportunity to investigate the evolutionarily conserved mechanisms underlying age-related memory decline, even at the level of identified neurons. This approach builds upon the decades of expertise and accumulated knowledge available within the research institute.
Aims:
To discover the cellular and molecular mechanisms of memory decline during natural aging and study the effects of environment factors influencing these processes.
To establish substrates for interventions that could potentially slow or reverse the memory decline by using electrophysiological and genetic techniques.
Expected results:
Deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular level changes leading to natural age-related memory decline. Elucidation of changes in the electrical properties of identified neurons responsible for memory decline during aging. Identification of target genes/molecules and establishment of their suitability for memory enhancement.
Importance:
Our results will reveal cellular and molecular mechanisms in age related memory decline and by intervening with these processes we will provide potential targets for memory enhancement or reversal of memory decline with age in healthy individuals.