Ever wondered how you’re able to walk from point A to point B? If your answer is “no,” don’t feel guilty. The truth is, most of us take our ability to navigate through our environment for granted, we don’t think about our brain acting as a neurological GPS system or compass. Yet without its proper functioning, we would be at risk of getting lost and wandering away. These are the risks faced by many of those with dementia, which is why researchers at the Columbia University Medical Center are taking a closer look at understanding what happens to the brain when it literally starts to lose its sense of direction.

A recent study reveals that the accumulation of Tau proteins in a brain affected by dementia may be the problem. Think of yourself as a ship requiring a system of grid cells to be steered in the right direction. These cells lend information to the ship’s captain, the brain, about location. Without this crucial information, the entire vessel and its crew would be lost as to where to go or what to do. Confusion and chaos would reign. Similarly, if our brain’s grid cells are obstructed by Tau proteins -metaphorical icebergs – a person would experience disorientation.

Researchers hope that this study may lead to navigation-based cognitive testing for the early diagnosis of dementia and to interventions for reducing the risk of wandering. Further understanding our brain’s role as ‘captain’ is sure to lead to more exciting new developments. 🙂