Targeting brain connections, or synapses, may help us fix problems with thinking and memory that come with age or diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. When synapses don’t work well, it can lead to trouble with learning and remembering things.

1. Loss of Synapses and Thinking Problems:

• In Alzheimer’s disease, about 40% of synapses can be lost before we notice major memory issues.
• Research shows that how many synapses we have is linked to how well we think. If the number of synapse markers decreases, it can be a sign that thinking problems are coming.

2. Targeting Solutions:

• Some treatments focus on improving synaptic plasticity, which is important for learning and memory. A special protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) helps make synapses stronger and encourages new growth.
• Some medications can help restore how synapses communicate by targeting certain receptors in the brain.

3. Possible Benefits:

• A large review showed that methods to boost synapse health might improve thinking abilities by about 30% in older adults.
• Non-invasive therapies, like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), have also shown promise, potentially increasing synapse function by around 20%.

In short, focusing on synapses might help slow down or even reverse thinking problems by fixing and improving their function. This could lead to better brain health as people get older.