Memory: disturbing experiments & life-saving ingredients

Scientific research on memory that has left its mark

Planaria: can a memory be transferred by ingestion?

The workings of the brain and memory have fascinated the general public and the scientific community for decades.

Among the most disturbing experiments on this subject is one carried out in the 1960s on planaria, which holds its share of surprises...

Planaria are small flatworms capable of rapid regeneration.

Scientist James V. McConnell sought to demonstrate that planaria that had learned a behaviour could transmit the 'memory' of this action to other individuals in an unexpected way: by being crushed and then ingested by their fellow planaria.

This gave rise to the idea of a memory that could be transferred by biological substances. However, the methods used and the results obtained in this study were widely criticised (and still are today) for lacking scientific rigour.

Injecting messenger RNA (mRNA): a way of implanting a memory in the brain?

More recently, in 2018, neurobiologist David Glanzman from UCLA reignited the debate. He injected mRNA extracted from sea snails (Aplysia) that had learned a behaviour into their naïve counterparts (those not subjected to any specific training) (1).

After observation, the researchers found that the latter showed similar reactions to the trained animals, suggesting that mRNA could play a role in the storage and transfer of memory.

These results have aroused great interest among scientists. However, they remain controversial, not least because of the complexity of the mechanisms underlying learning and memory. What's more, it is difficult to extrapolate this data to human beings.

Animal experiments: leads, but no confirmation

Naturally, other studies have looked at the mechanisms involved in memory. In 2013, planarian worms were in the news again (2).

This time, they were taught to overcome their fear of light in order to feed. Once they had learned their lesson, the worms were cut in half.

Thanks to their impressive capacity for regeneration, each half was able to ‘regrow’ the missing part in just a few days.

The result: each of the two new worms was able to expose itself to light in search of food. They had therefore retained the memory of the learning they had previously acquired!

Although these experiments provide a number of clues to understanding cerebral plasticity, they do not validate the hypothesis of a transmissible memory in the strict sense of the word.

Memory is a complex biological process, combining chemical, genetic and environmental interactions.

What we know about memory and recall today

A matter of neurons

Although certain clinical studies have given rise to much debate, current knowledge of memory is nonetheless based on solid foundations.

We now know that memories are not stored in a single place in the brain (3).

They are generated by a complex network of neurons, whose connections evolve over time and throughout life. This is known as synaptic plasticity.

The clearly established role of messenger RNA (mRNA)

Mechanisms involving mRNA have been identified, this time without controversy. It plays a key role in the synthesis of proteins essential for memory (4).

Research has shown that high neuronal activity triggers the transcription of certain genes, enabling the local production of proteins involved in the construction of synapses. It therefore contributes to synaptic plasticity.

Epigenetics and modulation of neuronal activity

Chemical modifications can bind to DNA and act as switches, activating or deactivating certain memory-related genes.

These so-called epigenetic marks can influence the way neurons function over the long term (5). This would explain why some memories persist for many years.

Memory traces, a neuronal representation of memories

Specific proteins such as PKMζ (protein kinase M-zeta) or CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) are involved in the formation of memory traces, meaning ultimately memories (6).

They act as biochemical switches, triggering a number of mechanisms that help strengthen synapses and therefore to memorise certain things.

Brain nutrition: plants and nutrients to support cognitive functions

Bacopa monnieri: an Ayurvedic plant for the memory

Bacopa monnieri has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.

It is thought to have a positive effect on the cerebral system, improving both short-term and long-term memory (7). It may help improve concentration and memory while also aiding relaxation.

Bacopa monnieri supports peripheral blood microcirculation and contributes to good blood flow, thus promoting brain irrigation.

It also contains large quantities of antioxidants. Antioxidants help combat the oxidative stress responsible for the premature ageing of cells, particularly brain cells.

To take advantage of these benefits, you can consume it in the form of a food supplement.

Discover Bacopa Monnieri supplement, an extract standardised to 20% bacosides.

Choline: an essential precursor of acetylcholine

Choline is an essential nutrient and precursor of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning processes (8).

On an organic level, acetylcholine promotes communication between neurons and helps strengthen their connections, helping the brain to store memories.

Choline also contributes to the body's normal metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid whose stable levels help maintain healthy cognitive functions.

Choline is naturally present in food. But it is also possible to supplement its intake.

Discover the CDP Choline food supplement, which provides 500 mg of choline per daily dose.

Adopt a synergistic approach to brain plasticity

It is also worth considering brain health as a whole by providing the body with several substances that are beneficial to the brain and cognitive function.

Some formulas combine substances that have been studied for their effects on brain ageing, mRNA production, acetylcholine synthesis or the supply of energy to the brain.

They are therefore part of a genuine cerebral nutrition approach.

Discover NeuroNutrition Formula, based on 7 carefully selected substances.