Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025
10:45
Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling
Published on: May 31, 2017
13.4K
Alzheimer's Disease, Neural Plasticity, and Functional Recovery
Daymara Mercerón-Martínez1, Cristobal Ibaceta-González2, Claudia Salazar2
1Experimental Electrophysiology Lab, International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN), Havana City, Cuba.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|January 18, 2021
Summary
Alzheimer's disease impairs neural plasticity, affecting memory and learning. This review explores therapies like exercise and environmental enrichment to restore function, using the Octodon degus model for AD research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of neurodegeneration, marked by amyloid-β and tau pathology, leading to cognitive decline.
- Neural plasticity, crucial for learning and memory, is compromised in AD and aging, resulting in functional deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neurodegenerative aspects of AD and therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring neural plasticity.
- To present findings from Octodon degus, a natural model exhibiting AD-like neuropathology and cognitive decline during aging.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on AD pathogenesis and plasticity-restoring interventions.
- Behavioral analysis of Octodon degus, a model organism that naturally develops AD-related changes.
Main Results:
- Identified therapeutic approaches including environmental enrichment, physical exercise, and electrical stimulation to enhance neural plasticity.
- Octodon degus exhibits age-related neuronal toxicity, reduced neural plasticity, and impaired learning and memory, mirroring human AD pathology.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic interventions targeting neural plasticity offer potential for functional recovery in Alzheimer's disease.
- Octodon degus serves as a valuable natural model for studying AD progression and evaluating novel therapeutic strategies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:01Neuroplasticity
1.2K
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
1.2K
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
1.1K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.1K
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
586
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
586
01:35Long-term Potentiation
57.2K
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
57.2K
01:25Long-term Potentiation
3.1K
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
3.1K
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
1.3K
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
1.3K