Scientists believe boosting levels of an enzyme, Uch-L1, could help Alzheimer’s patients to restore memory. Brains affected by Alzheimer’s tend to be low in Uch-L1.

Scientists studied mice who had been given a shot to block Uch-L1 and found they were less likely to respond to training and learn. They also found that within three weeks after injecting mice who had brain plaque with the enzyme Uch-L1, they began to learn at the rate of healthy mice.

The enzyme has potential as a treatment in Alzheimers but needs much more study before it’s ready for human testing, the researchers said.

Enzyme May Help Memory in Alzheimer’s