Abstract
Background/aimMemory is a mechanism for coding, storing, and recalling information. Weak memory and learning disability are common psychological problems in the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of frankincense consumption on explicit motor memory and serum BDNF in the elderly.Materials and methodsTwenty elderly men (mean age of 60.2 ± 1.7 years) were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (n = 12) and placebo (n = 8). The first blood samples were collected 24 h before the pretest. Then both groups participated in a 4-week exercise program based on the protocol of exercising motor memory. During this period, the experimental group received 500-mg frankincense pills two times a day. The second blood sample collection and acquisition test were conducted following the last session of the exercise program. A retention test and a third blood sampling were performed 2 weeks after the last training session. Mixed analysis of variance (2 × 3) for repeated measures was used to analyze the data.ResultsIntergroup comparisons showed that frankincense had a significant effect on the acquisition and retention of explicit motor memory. No difference was observed in serum BDNF between the experimental and placebo groups.ConclusionThis study revealed that 4 weeks of frankincense consumption facilitates the acquisition and retention of motor memory in older men with moderate mental status.
Highlights
Learning and memory are among the highest functional levels of the central nervous system
Intergroup comparisons showed that frankincense had a significant effect on the acquisition and retention of explicit motor memory
No difference was observed in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) between the experimental and placebo groups
Summary
Learning and memory are among the highest functional levels of the central nervous system. Learning is the process by which we get information about the world around us. Memory is a mechanism for encoding, storing, and recalling previously learned information [1]. Researchers have divided memory into two parts: short-term and long-term memory. Storage of information in short-term memory is generally limited in terms of capacity and duration. With repetition and mental review, this information is transmitted from short-term memory to long-term memory [2]. Long-term memory is categorized into two groups, based on the information type: explicit and implicit memory. The explicit memory is related to past events with conscious awareness, while implicit memory is related to past events without conscious awareness [3].
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