Evidence Suggests that Alzheimer’s May Not Destroy Memories, Only Block Them

A unique research study pioneered by Christine A. Denny at Columbia University in New York made a fascinating discovery into the nature of Alzheimer’s disease. By engineering and training mice to react to external stimuli, scientists were able to determine that mice can recover critical memories through the use of lights. The study offers an incredible insight into the nature of the disease, and opens the door for the possibility of recovering memories in humans.

The mice used in the experiment were of a very particular breed. Their brains were genetically engineered to glow yellow during memory storage, and to glow red during memory recall. The map of a mouse’s brain is significantly easier to identify than a human’s, and the ability to make mice glow certain colors has existed for some time. Once the mice’s brains were successfully engineered, scientists were able to physically see them store and recall memories.