Psychology literature has shown that curiosity tends to decline with age. Research from an international team of psychologists, including from UCLA, shows one type of curiosity can increase well into old age, contradicting prior research. Older adults who maintain curiosity and want to learn new things relevant to their interests may be able to offset or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Conversely, those who show muted curiosity and disinterest may be at risk for dementia.

Learning about one’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease may not lead to emotional distress, but motivation to maintain healthy lifestyle changes tends to fade over time, even in people at high risk, according to a study involving a Rutgers Health researcher.

In a new Review, Jack Badman and colleagues explore the latest findings about the diverse functions of the enzyme SPPL2b, which plays essential roles in the nervous and immune systems. The researchers also discuss the function of its known substrates, which have been identified over two decades of research, as well as implications for therapeutic development for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. “Understanding the factors that influence SPPL2b expression and activity, including posttranslational modifications and protein interactions, will offer deeper insights into its role in both health and disease,” Badman et al. write.