In a study on mice, scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology discovered an important algorithm
As people age, their work performance often deteriorates.memory, it makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks. One of the key brain regions associated with this type of memory is the anterior thalamus, which primarily influences spatial memory - it stores information about our environment and how to navigate it.
According to the researchers, the new open algorithmcould be a promising way to treat people and also potentially help reverse memory loss in the elderly without affecting other parts of the brain.
Previous studies in mice have shown thatdamage to the anterior thalamus leads to impaired spatial working memory. Studies have found that in people with age, the activity of the anterior thalamus decreases, as well as the performance in performing spatial memory tasks.
The anterior thalamus is divided into three sections:ventral, dorsal and medial. In a study published in 2021, the authors examined the role of the anterior dorsal (AD) thalamus and anterior ventral (AV) thalamus in memory formation. They found that the AD thalamus is involved in creating mental maps of different physical spaces, while the AV thalamus helps the brain distinguish these memories from others.
In their new study, the authors wanted moredeeply study the AV-thalamus and its role in the work of spatial memory. To do this, they trained mice to run through a simple T-maze. At the beginning of each trial, the mice ran until they reached point T. One of the paths was blocked, so they ran the other way. The mice were then placed back into the maze with both paths open. Mice were rewarded if they chose the opposite exit from the previous one. In this case, in order to make the right decision, they had to remember which way they turned during the previous time.
When the mice completed the task, the researchersused optogenetics to suppress the activity of AV or AD neurons during three different parts of the task. It turned out that AV neurons are most important for remembering information while it is needed to complete a task. In contrast, inhibition of AD neurons impaired performance during the fetch phase but had little effect on the delay phase. This finding is consistent with the research team's earlier study showing that AD neurons are involved in the formation of memories of physical space.
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