Stopping Memory Decline in its Tracks

Potential drug candidates to treat memory deficits or prevent memory decline, are being developed by a multidisciplinary team of European researchers, including OU researcher Professor Mike Stewart.

The €3.9 million EU FP7- funded project, Mem Stick, is unravelling the biological mechanism of memory disturbances. Memory loss is a central symptom in different diseases, and represents a significant social and economic burden for many European citizens. The molecular and neurobiological bases of memory deficits are largely unknown and there are currently no drugs available that can markedly slow or halt memory decline.

To understand memory loss, the project will look at the most common disease domains affecting memory and quality of life: psychiatric disorders, stress and aging, and Alzheimer's disease. The role of novel synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in memory loss will be investigated to assess the therapeutic value of targeting these CAMs to restore memory function and associated neurobiological mechanisms at the synaptic level.

For information on Life Sciences Research at the Open University, see www.open.ac.uk/science/research/life-sciences-research.php

For more information on the Mem Stick Project, visit www.memstick.org/Home.php

Contact: Professor Stewart