In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, we may yet salvage long-term memories, according to new research from a team based in UCLA.

The old train of thought suggests that such memories are stored in the synapses of our brain, which connect neurons to one another. The disease destroys synapses early on, later killing the neurons themselves.

When we form memories, the brain produces new proteins and expands a web of synaptic relationships. The entire process is mediated by a hormone known as serotonin. If this protein production process is stopped along the way, long-term memories fail to form.

To probe the “location” of our memories, a group led by UCLA professor David Glanzman investigated the nervous system of a marine snail called an Aplysia. Glanzman’s researchers specifically examined the animal’s defense reflex.

“If you train an animal on a task, inhibit its ability to produce proteins immediately after training, and then test it 24 hours later, the animal doesn’t remember the training,” he explains in the university’s press release. “However, if you train an animal, wait 24 hours, and then inject a protein synthesis inhibitor in its brain, the animal shows perfectly good memory 24 hours later. In other words, once memories are formed, if you temporarily disrupt protein synthesis, it doesn’t affect long-term memory.”

This new train of thought argues that long-term memories are not stored within the synapses. However, once Alzheimer’s begins destroying neurons, the chances of reclaiming lost reminisces supposedly fades.

On another front of Alzheimer study, researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method of brain imaging which allows for early detection of toxin that triggers the disease.

Study contributor William Klein announced in another press release, “Using MRI, we can see the toxins attached to neurons in the brain. We expect to use this tool to detect this disease early and to help identify drugs that can effectively eliminate the toxin and improve health.”

The method can reportedly assist researchers who wish to monitor the effectiveness of new experimental drugs.