How Do Changes in Brain Structure Affect Spatial Memory?
Changes in brain structure, such as the loss of neurons or synapses, can significantly impact spatial memory. For instance, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease are characterized by the loss of neurons in the hippocampus and other brain regions, leading to impairments in spatial memory. Histological studies can reveal these structural changes by examining brain tissues for signs of neuronal loss, protein aggregates, and other pathological features.
