Could Age Related Memory Loss Actually Be Reversible?

Did you lose your car keys? Forget about that lunch date with your spouse? Miss out on your hair appointment? These things happen. Unfortunately, they tend to happen more frequently as we age. Age related memory loss affects men and women all over the country, largely because of decreased blood flow to the brain and the inability to absorb brain-boosting nutrients. Memory loss is a normal part of getting older...but could it be reversible? A study from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) is looking into the possibility.
It all started when they uncovered a major contributing factor to age related memory loss. The researchers in the CUMC study found that a protein deficiency in the brain could be a major contributing factor to memory loss. The study, published in the scientific journal, Science Translational Medicine, found evidence that the hippocampus (which is part of the brain directly linked to memory) begins to lack the protein RbAp48 over time. This in turn caused serious memory loss in older age. Initially, the main objective of the study was to prove that Alzheimer's disease is a totally separate issue from age-related memory loss. During the study, they discovered that age-related memory loss was a separate process - and that the RbAp48 gene signalled deterioration over time.
According to Dr. Eric Kandel, the co-director of Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mid Brain Behavior Institute, "these results have public health consequences." Namely, those consequences are that age-related memory loss could in fact be reversed. It may sound far-fetched, but the researchers involved in the study believe this could be part of our future. They began another experiment where they increased RbAp48 in the brains of aged mice. They found that when this took place, the memories of the mice were improved.... and even similar to that of younger mice. Dr. Kandel believes this should be encouraging for men and women dealing with age related memory loss. He feels it "shows that this protein is a major factor, and it speaks to the fact that age-related memory loss is due to a functional change in neurons."
So, is age related memory loss actually reversible? And what does this mean for the future? If the CUMC study is anything to go by, we are beginning to get a better understanding of memory loss and why it happens. This is significant. It means that it is only a matter of time before scientists and doctors find a way to improve the daily lives of people living with this issue. This could in turn prolong independent living in older age and make life feel a little less stressful. Only time will tell what will become of this research. However, there is no doubt that men and women all over the world are hoping that memory loss can - and will be - reversed.
No one wants to deal with memory loss. It is however, a part of the aging process. Almost all of us will deal with some form of it at one point or another. With more research uncovering the root of the problem, we can start to feel hopeful about the future. Perhaps some day, age related memory loss will be reversed once and for all.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and Memory Loss patients.