Stimulating mitochondria to boost long-term memory
Medical Xpress
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
An international research team led by Jaime de Juan-Sanz at the Paris Brain Institute has made a groundbreaking discovery: enhancing the metabolic capacity of neurons can boost long-term memory in both fruit flies and mice. This study, published in *Nature Metabolism*, reveals that energy production isn’t just essential for brain function but also holds potential as a tool to improve cognitive performance.
The researchers found that by slightly increasing the metabolic activity of neurons, they could significantly enhance long-term memory in their subjects. This breakthrough suggests that targeting mitochondrial function—where energy is produced within cells—could be a promising avenue for developing new therapies to combat age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
This research matters because it challenges the traditional view that brain energy needs are fixed. Instead, it shows that tweaking metabolic processes could offer a novel way to enhance memory and cognitive health. For individuals interested in optimizing their mental performance or understanding how metabolism influences brain function, this study provides valuable insights.
The implications of this work extend beyond the lab. Future studies could explore how these findings translate to human brains and whether dietary changes, supplements, or pharmacological treatments might mimic the effects observed in fruit flies and mice. This approach could open new doors for treating conditions where memory loss is a key symptom, such as dementia or traumatic brain injury.
Overall, this study highlights the importance of metabolic health in maintaining and improving cognitive function. As researchers continue to explore the intricate relationship between energy production and brain performance, we may uncover even more ways to enhance memory and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/24/2026