Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In a 2023 study, researchers found that reducing Menin signaling in a brain region called the hypothalamus was associated with aging-related changes and cognitive decline in mice. Restoring Menin or supplementing the amino acid D-serine improved certain outcomes in aged mice—but the experiments do not show that D-serine prevents memory loss or slows aging in people.
What did the researchers find?
Lige Leng and colleagues reported that Menin signaling in the hypothalamus declined in aged mice. Menin is a protein encoded by the MEN1 gene. The researchers linked the decline to systemic aging-related changes and cognitive deficits, and examined how altering Menin affected those outcomes.
The study focused on the ventromedial nucleus (VMH), a region within the hypothalamus. In aged mice, restoring Menin expression there improved learning and memory, ameliorated aging biomarkers, and extended lifespan in the mouse model. In middle-aged mice, inhibiting Menin in the same region induced premature-aging features and accelerated cognitive decline. These are results from experimental mouse interventions, not evidence that Menin manipulation has the same effects in humans. Read the study in PLOS Biology.
How did D-serine fit into the study?
The researchers connected Menin reduction with impaired release of D-serine through a neural circuit between the VMH and the hippocampus, a brain area important to learning and memory. They reported that D-serine supplementation rescued cognitive decline in aged mice. The paper also describes Menin’s role in neuroinflammatory and metabolic pathways, including D-serine metabolism.
#1 Best Overall
- Memory Building Play: This memory game turns colorful fruit pictures into a fun matching game that helps kids practice visual recognition, concentration
- Easy To Learn: Players take turns flipping 2 pieces and keep the pair when the fruit pictures match, making this board game simple for kids and engaging for adults
- 54 Piece Fruit Theme: Bright fruit designs add color and variety to every round while this educational toy encourages visual recognition, memory recall, focus, and fine motor skills
- Play Together Anywhere: A versatile kids board game for family game nights, playdates, kindergarten activities, classrooms, gatherings, and travel entertainment without screens
- Learning Gift For Kids: This educational toy combines puzzle games, brain games, and social play in one engaging challenge, making it a thoughtful choice for birthdays and holidays
In the authors’ abstract: “Aging-associated Menin reduction led to impaired D-serine release by VMH-hippocampus neural circuit, while D-serine supplement rescued cognitive decline in aged mice.” That wording describes the study’s mouse findings; it is not a claim of demonstrated benefit from supplements in people.
What does the evidence establish—and what does it not?
The paper, “Hypothalamic Menin regulates systemic aging and cognitive decline,” was published in PLOS Biology on March 16, 2023. In one reported behavioral comparison, the aged-mouse group receiving a control virus had 14 mice, while the group receiving Menin had 16. Those counts apply to that comparison, not necessarily to every experiment in the paper. PubMed’s bibliographic record identifies the article as volume 21, issue 3, article e3002033, DOI 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002033.
Rank #2
- Kids Memory Game Set: Includes 24 colored chess pieces, 2 dices (1 for daily use + 1 spare), and 1 chessboard. Players must remember the color and position of pieces, and pick out the matching color when rolling the dice, effectively improving children’s memory. Compact size for outdoor play and travel.
- High-Quality Safe Material: Made of natural solid wood with smooth edges and surfaces to protect kids’ hands. Finished with non-toxic water-based paint, bright in color, burr-free and odorless, ensuring safe and healthy play for children.
- Brain Training for Kids & Elderly: Simple rules make it suitable for all ages. Boosts kids’ concentration, memory, hand-eye coordination and color cognition. Helps the elderly keep brains active, exercise thinking and delay brain aging.
- Parent-Child Interactive Board Game: A fun Montessori toy for family bonding. Allows parents and children to play together, enhancing interaction, communication and emotional connection during leisure time.
- Perfect Gift Idea: Exquisite and educational memory chess set, ideal as a birthday gift, Christmas gift or daily surprise for children, seniors, family and friends.
- Shown in this study: Menin and D-serine interventions affected aging-related and cognitive measures in mice.
- Not established: whether D-serine supplements prevent memory loss, treat cognitive impairment, or slow aging in people.
- Not provided by the mouse result: a human dose, efficacy estimate, or safety profile for using D-serine for these purposes.
The authors discuss possible relevance to human aging, but a proposed biological connection is not proof of a useful or safe human treatment. The experiments do not justify starting a D-serine supplement for memory concerns.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why the mouse result is not a supplement recommendation
A finding in mice is an early step in research, not a direct guide to human use. The study tested interventions in a particular brain circuit and measured outcomes in an animal model; it did not establish that an over-the-counter supplement produces the same biological effect in people. Anyone experiencing persistent or worsening memory problems should seek medical advice rather than rely on this mouse study or self-treat with a supplement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- THRILLING MEMORY SHOWDOWN: A lightning-fast challenge where your brain is on the clock! You get 60 seconds to study a picture and memorise its details. When time’s up, use your memory to shout out what you remember and discard your letter cards. Every round is a high-pressure, laugh-out-loud race to victory!
- INCLUDES: 75 Letter Cards, 20 Picture Cards (1000+ Objects), 1 Sand Timer, and an Instruction Manual.
- HOW TO PLAY: One player acts as the watchdog and flips open a picture for everyone to see and the countdown begins. The other players have 60 seconds to take it all in. When time’s up, they race to ditch their letter cards by shouting out what they remember seeing. Be the first to get rid of all your letters to win the round — win the most rounds to win the game!
- FAST-PACED, HIGH-ENERGY FUN: Learn in minutes, play in seconds! No setup, no complicated rules — just flip, remember, shout, and slam your letters down. Every round feels fresh and fun.
- ENDLESSLY REPLAYABLE: Packed with 1000+ tiny hidden objects and constantly changing letter cards, you’ll spot something new every single time. No two rounds ever play the same — the unpredictability keeps everyone hooked!
Rank #4
- Enhance Memory Skills: Boost memory with our Alzheimer's activities for seniors set, featuring 24 wooden pieces in 6 vibrant colors, a dice, and a sturdy wooden board
- Fun & Challenging Gameplay: Roll the dice to match colors and improve memory retention by recalling piece placements on the 6.6 x 6.6 inch board - a delightful way to train memory skills
- Safe & Durable Design: Crafted from high-quality wood, our 1.6 inch pieces and board are safe for seniors and adults, offering a reliable choice for memory training that's built to last
- Versatile & Engaging: Ideal for dementia patients and adults alike, this memory game provides entertainment and mental stimulation, perfect for solo play or family bonding activities
- Customizable Difficulty: Adjust the number of pieces for varying levels of challenge, making it an excellent choice for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to keep minds active and engaged
Rank #3
- ENHANCED MEMORY SKILL: This game boosts the memory, focus, and matching skills of preschoolers - making learning a fun-filled journey
- VIBRANT IMAGES: Comes with 32 vivid and engaging images of everyday items that children can easily recognize
- SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS: Easy-to-follow instructions ensure that your child can start playing in less than five minutes
- QUALITY MATERIAL: Trusted by generations, Ravensburger assures quality and safety in each of its games
- IDEAL GIFT: Makes for a perfect gift that combines fun and learning for kids of all ages
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
