MEMORY : New Science to Improve Memory in Older Folks !

  Researchers at UC Irvine have discovered the ability to create lasting memories is linked to a newly discovered process: an enzyme blocking the release of of a gene called Period1 in the hippocampus of our brains. When we're young, turning this gene on is easy but as we get older this becomes harder.
  In each cell in our body there is 6 feet of DNA. As we age this spooled up length of DNA becomes less flexible (like our joints, eh?). This stiffness in our DNA is due to a "molecular brake pad" called HDAC3 that has become over-active in the aged brain and is compacting DNA too much and blocks the release of Period1.
  Removing the HDCA3 restores the flexibility and allows internal cell machinery to access Period1 to begin to form new memories.
  New drugs that target HDCA3 could allow older persons to improve memory formation ! 
  

Memories Blocked..but Recall Restored

HDAC2 ( histone deacetylase 2 ) regulates the expression of genes involved in learning and memory. MIT scientists led by Li-Huei Tsai,PhD blocked the buildup of HDAC2 in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and it restored structural and synaptic plasticity allowing mice with symptoms of AD to restore and access memory. This experiment suggests that memories of things learned may still be stored in the brain but overproduction of HDAC2 blocks access to those memories. This finding has already been experimentally replicated.

In another epigenetic part of their study, these researchers found that glucocorticoid receptor 1normally turned on by stress was in fact switched on/activated from the accumulation of Abeta amyloid causing an increase in HDAC2 and chronic blockage of the genes necessary for memory.

For alzheimer's patients , these MIT researchers have developed a potent HDCA2 inhibitor and are preparing to submit papers to the FDA to begin experimental testing.

NATURE 2012 ; 483 (7388):222-226

Also see Science 2012;335(6075):1513-1516 "Generation of a synthetic memory trace"