The present invention provides methods of slowing or reversing the loss of memory and learning comprising the steps of contacting an effective amount of a PKC activator with a protein kinase C (PKC) in a subject identified with memory loss slowing or reversing memory loss. The present invention provides methods of stimulating cellular growth, neuronal growth, dendritic growth, dendritic spine formation, dendritic spine density, and the translocation of ELAV to proximal dendrites, and synaptic remodeling. The present invention also provides methods of contacting a protein kinase C (PKC) activator with a PKC activator in a manner sufficient to stimulate the synthesis of proteins sufficient to consolidate long-term memory. The present invention also provides methods of contacting a protein kinase C (PKC) activator with a PKC activator in a manner sufficient to downregulate PKC.
