Why do Alzheimer's Patients Forget Their Loved Ones?
November 21, 2025
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2 min
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia reveals that the deterioration of perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the hippocampus's CA2 region could explain why Alzheimer's patients struggle to recognize familiar faces. Conducted by researchers from the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech using a mouse model, the study found that PNNs began breaking down at six months, coinciding with loss of recognition abilities. Treatment with a drug, GM6001, preserved PNNs and delayed recognition loss, suggesting potential new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's.
1. PNNs are crucial for stabilizing nerve connections. 2. Breakdown of PNNs occurs in CA2 region of the hippocampus. 3. Recognition abilities decline as PNNs deteriorate. 4. Drug GM6001 preserves PNNs and recognition. 5. Findings suggest new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's. 6. Further studies are needed to explore mechanisms in humans.
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