Memory Loss in the Elderly

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Memory Loss in the Elderly

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Have you ever experienced that moment where you walked into a room and forgot what you were looking for? This moment can catch us off guard and make us wonder why we forget such simple things. Fortunately, there is good news for this. Recently, Reuter’s reported that age-related memory loss studies done by a Nobel laureate have revealed new revelations and have found that age related memory is separate from the disease that many of us fear, Alzheimer’s.  The studies show that unlike Alzheimer’s, age related memory loss may be reversible and or preventable.

To conduct the study, scientists began with eight brains, donated for scientific research, from the New York Brain Bank at Columbia University. The study was completed with brains of persons aged 33-88 who were free of brain disease when they died.

The study conducted research on different areas of the brain which were not likely to be affected by Alzheimer’s as well as areas that are affected by the disease. Reuters reported that the main result of the study was the difference in the gene of the protein called RbAp48. The research report online in the Science Translational Medicine Journal showed that the older brains had only half the amount of RbAp48 compared to a young brain.

The researchers also conducted a reverse experiment by engineering mice so that their brains had extra doses of RbAp48. Reuters reported that “the mice’s memories returned to the flower of youth.”

To combat age related memory loss, the researchers of the experiment are working to find foods, pharmaceuticals, and physical activities that are likely to increase the amount of RnAp48 that is produced in the brain.

A Closer Look at Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease first takes hold in an area of the brain called the entorhinal cortex and kills off neurons. The difference with age related memory loss is that it is caused by the lack of production of certain proteins such as RbAp48.There are preventable measures for Alzheimer’s that researchers suggest such as eating a diet full in antioxidants. However, Alzheimer’s cannot be reversed. Often, when a person develops Alzheimer’s disease they need full attention and care, causing families to turn to nursing homes. The attorneys at Malman Law fight for the rights of all nursing home residents and their families.

If you or a loved one have suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, call an Illinois attorney today to learn your rights. Malman Law is available 24/7 for a free consultation and legal advice.

Steve Malman

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, truck accidents, car accidents, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases in Chicago, IL.

Years of experience: +30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law—Last Registered Year: 2024

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