Can reducing brain activity improve memory?

Reducing brain activity could improve memory in patients with dementia, according to a recent study.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins claim that those who experience cognitive decline could have their memory function improved by the new therapeutic approach before their condition progresses to full-blown Alzheimer's disease.

The assertion was based on the finding that excessive brain activity in the hippocampus region contributes to conditions such as mild cognitive impairment, rather than been a result of them.

To test the theory that reducing activity would prevent decline, lead author Dr Michela Gallagher and her team of researchers used a drug used to treat epilepsy to reduce brain activity levels in the brain.

It was found that those subjects given the drug performed better on memory tests than those who had not been treated.
This has positive implications for those with early onset dementia and could help to stave off the dominant symptoms of the condition for longer.

Find out about dementia care and support services at Barchester care homes.