Understanding memory storage and memory loss

How are memories stored in the brain? What goes wrong when Alzheimer’s disease patients lose their memory?

Theme

Biological sciences

Content

Can science explain how the brain stores memories? How much further does science need to go to cure Alzheimer’s disease? What are some ethical issues to be considered in a future where we might be able to manipulate memory storage in the brain?

Why this is important

Understanding the way our brain stores memories is exciting in itself and also opens up many possibilities to help people with memory problems.

Key descriptors

Cells, brain, synapses, neurons, memory, action potential, synaptic plasticity, Alzheimer’s, dementia.

Year groups

Flexible, please enquire.

Speaker

Dr Mariana Vargas Caballero