Researchers at MIT have discovered that Sirtuin1, a protein encoded by the SIRT1 gene, promotes synaptic plasticity and boosts memory. The findings could assist in creating new drugs to help combat Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological diseases.

MIT researchers find that Sirtuin1 may boost memory and learning ability
Discovery could lead to new drugs to fight Alzheimer’s, other neurological diseases

The same molecular mechanism that increases life span through calorie restriction may help boost memory and brainpower, researchers at MIT’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory report in the July 11 issue of Nature.

Resveratrol, found in wine, has been touted as a life-span enhancer because it activates a group of enzymes known as sirtuins, which have gained fame in recent years for their ability to slow the aging process. Now MIT researchers report that Sirtuin1 — a protein that in humans is encoded by the SIRT1 gene — also promotes…