Comment · Thu, March 19, 2015 · Ceretropic
Dendrite spine density, should it be higher or lower?
Original post in this thread
tijifuji · 2 points
So, dendrite spine density refers to the number of dendrite spines in a given area. If there are more dendrites, or a higher density, than an increase is seen also in synapses and synapse related proteins. If there are less dendrites or a lower density than less synapses are formed.
For the sake of memory and learning which is better?
If there are more synapses than there is the possibility to make more memories but they could easily be destroyed. If there are fewer dendrites and synapses than it takes less energy to convey a message and make it a permanent strong memory with high LTP(long term potentiation). Is it better to have fewer strong connections or many weaker/normal connections?
What they were answering
NooMed · 2 points
An example of a disease in which INCREASED spine density is pathologic is Fragile X Syndrome, the most common form of heritable mental retardation. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragile_X_syndrome. The wiki doesn't go into as much detail on spine morphology as I would hope, but I seem to remember learning in school that impaired pruning of dendritic spines resulted in dramatically increased density of spines and impaired neuroplasticity.
Additionally, I've had the same experience with many Alzheimer's patients, including my grandfather. We'd talk for hours about WWII, and his time abroad, and then he'd forget who my mother was when she entered the room. My condolences... However, the future is looking brighter for this horrible disease every day.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
It's a very interesting time to be alive. We learn so much more every year.
It's funny, her grandfather will be shown a picture of his ex wife, and will say that he does not know who she is, but knows that he does not like her. So he does not recognize her, but still has the emotional connections from seeing her. I thought that was a very interesting view into how we process emotions!