Specific Gene Linked to Adult Brain Growth

New research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that stimulating a specific gene could prompt brain growth related to learning and memory in adults. The study used an animal model and found that over-expression of the gene (a nuclear receptor called TLX) resulted in faster learning with longer retention of information. “Memory loss is a major health problem, both in diseases like Alzheimer’s, but also just associated with aging,” said the lead author of the study. The discovery creates a new potential strategy for improving cognitive performance in elderly patients and those who have a neurological disease or brain injury. To read more about this study, click here.