Memory Declines with Age, but It Starts Deteriorating Long Before You Become Old
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Loading... - Aharon Gamal
- 03 Feb 2025
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Recent research has shed light on the gradual decline of memory and brain function as people age, revealing that these changes begin much earlier than commonly perceived. A study examining the brains of individuals aged 30 to 89 years has found that brain atrophy, which leads to memory loss, is a normal part of aging and starts earlier than many might think.
Dr. James Michael Roe, a researcher at the Centre for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition at the University of Oslo, emphasizes that increased brain atrophy is observed in everyone over the age of 50. This atrophy involves the loss of brain cells and nerve fibers, particularly in areas of the brain that are also affected in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Roe notes, "The memory loss that we all experience is linked to this gradual brain atrophy that occurs throughout life, in the same areas as in Alzheimer's brains." This suggests that even healthy adults, particularly those aged 30 to 65, experience some degree of memory decline associated with normal aging processes.
The study highlights an important overlap between the brain changes seen in normal aging and those associated with Alzheimer's disease. While individuals who develop Alzheimer's experience more rapid memory loss and brain tissue deterioration, the gradual atrophy observed in healthy adults can complicate the understanding of Alzheimer's progression.
Roe advocates for normalizing memory loss as a natural part of aging, stating, "Memory loss as we age is a normal process." He emphasizes that this decline is not exclusive to older adults; even younger individuals may notice changes in their memory capabilities.
The researchers employed artificial intelligence to analyze brain scans of healthy participants, revealing that signs of genetic risk for Alzheimer's could be detected even in those who performed well on cognitive tests. However, the study found that genetic predisposition alone does not guarantee the onset of Alzheimer's.
Roe explains, "Those with the highest brain atrophy and genetic risk for Alzheimer's also had the fastest memory loss. But not all with genetic risk exhibited high levels of brain atrophy and memory loss." This indicates that while genetics play a role, other factors may influence the development of the disease.
The research team is focused on understanding brain development from a lifespan perspective, emphasizing the importance of early life events on the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Roe suggests that interventions during early life may have a more significant impact than those implemented later.
The ongoing study involves participants who have undergone brain scans up to seven times, allowing researchers to track changes over time. This comprehensive approach aims to provide insights into how brain health evolves throughout life.
While the findings are intriguing, they have sparked debate among experts. Dr. Asgeir Kobro-Flatmoen, a researcher at the K.G. Jebsen Center for Alzheimer's Disease, acknowledges the study's importance but questions the direct link between normal aging and Alzheimer's. He points to evidence suggesting that the two processes may be distinct, citing differences in brain energy consumption and neuron loss between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Kobro-Flatmoen is focused on identifying vulnerable neuron groups in Alzheimer's and understanding the transition from health to disease. He believes that lifestyle factors significantly influence the risk of developing Alzheimer's, with choices related to diet, physical activity, and social engagement accounting for 30 to 50% of the risk.
The research underscores that memory decline is a gradual process that begins earlier in life than previously recognized. While normal aging involves brain atrophy and memory loss, the overlap with Alzheimer's disease complicates our understanding of both conditions. As researchers continue to explore the connections between aging, genetics, and lifestyle factors, the findings may inform strategies for maintaining cognitive health throughout life.
