Alzheimer’s-Linked Protein Crucial For Long-Term Memory: Study

Scientists have identified the Alzheimer's-linked protein tau as crucial for organizing and stabilizing long-lasting memories, though not for initial learning. Research using mouse models showed tau helps organize specialized neurons, called engram cells, and prevents excess brain activity, leading to clearer memories. A chemical modification of tau, phosphorylation, was found to be key, with abnormal tau phosphorylation being a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.