Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

MEMORY MOLECULES

Brain Glue, Synaptic Tags, and the Future of Recall

Memory isn’t just magic—it’s molecular. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how recent neuroscience reveals the “glue” that holds our memories together, and how curiosity can lead us to the edge of discovery.

I have a subscription to Scientific American. I have had it for a long, long time. I think my curiosity was originally piqued by a neighbor who was a scientist at Johns Hopkins University. When my daughter was in elementary school, she would visit him with bugs and rocks and other interesting things she found, and he would give her science lessons based on her findings. I am sure that the idea for the subscription started with that interaction.

Today’s issue has a fascinating article on the brain and memory. For a long time, I have known that the brain stores everything but not how it does that. This article talks about a series of studies that are addressing that question. My interpretation is that there is a form of “glue” in the brain that connects synapses, and the glue actually holds the memory. Now that is truly my layman’s interpretation. The article does not mention glue. It, of course, has fancy names for these substances and several labs have been doing research to understand how memories work. But for now, let’s just call it “brain glue.”

Now, I may need to define just a couple of things. Our brains are made up of neurons that look like strings with multiple branching strings off each one. At the end of each branch there is a flat bulb shape like a LED flood lamp, only tiny. Each of these bulbs comes close to the bulb of another branch with a little space in between. This glue-like substance that has been discovered and studied sits between these two bulbs. Apparently, our memories are housed in that glue. Voila!

Some of the studies in this article indicate that the “glue” can be removed or damaged, thus disrupting the memory. This is fascinating. I wonder if the “glue” can be restored? Would that mean that we could stop the progression of Alzheimer’s or slow its progression? Would that mean that we could plant “glue” in someone’s brain? I know a ton of mothers who would want to use that to get their teenagers to remember to put their clothes in the hamper or maybe even do their own laundry!

Remembering to do things can be tricky. If this brain “glue” is real, think of the future that could unfold. We could cure Alzheimer’s. We could make studying obsolete. We could implant skills and talents to our hearts’ content… oops. I think I have gone too far.

Want to explore the science behind memory molecules? Visit Neuroscience News’ discovery of KIBRA as memory glue, StudyFinds’ breakdown of how KIBRA and PKMzeta stabilize memory, and Live Science’s coverage of molecular glue and memory retention.

If you’re reflecting on memory, aging, or cognitive wellness, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and brain health.