by Working memory, the cognitive process of temporarily holding and manipulating information, is a vital function we utilize daily. It allows us to remember a phone number long enough to dial it or recall a list of items from the grocery store. However, lapses in working memory can occur, leaving us momentarily puzzled. This issue is particularly prevalent in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Researchers from UCLA Health have recently made a significant discovery regarding the creation of memories while minimizing metabolic costs, even during sleep. This energy-efficient memory process takes place in the hippocampus, a brain region essential for learning and memory, and where Alzheimer’s Disease originates.
The team’s findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.
The kitchen scenario is a common experience for many. You head there to retrieve an item, but upon arrival, you find yourself unable to recall what you came for. This instance illustrates the fallibility of working memory. Working memory is defined as the ability to retain and manipulate information for a brief period while engaging in other tasks.
Given the impact of working memory deficits on Alzheimer’s disease and MCI, extensive research has been dedicated to understanding the neural mechanisms underlying working memory formation. The UCLA Health researchers’ latest discovery sheds new light on this complex process.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
