Age-Related Memory Loss:

Medical advances have enabled us to live longer, however, despite progress on somatic pathology, little progress has been made in treating cognitive problems, most notably the progressive decline in memory function. In most people, age-related memory troubles emerge in mid-life and memory continues to weaken with advancing age. However, memory decline is not an inevitable consequence of aging. An important first step has been the delineation of memory problems associated with normal aging and those associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In contrast to neurodegerative diseases, normal aging is not associated with the loss of cells. The absence of neural degeneration has directed researchers to consider the possibility that age-related memory deficits may reflect more subtle changes in processes that alter synaptic connectivity, including changes in synaptic plasticity. Within the MBI, several methods are being developed to distinguish biological markers of brain aging, which range from an examination of genes to brain imaging. The association of biological markers with memory function has implications for understanding the basic mechanisms of how memory works, the relationship between aging and Alzheimer's Disease, and the development of practices designed to protect and improve normal brain function as we age. Much of this work is directed at neural modulators, reduction in oxidative stress, and calcium homeostasis.

References:

Foster TC (2002) Regulation of synaptic plasticity in memory and memory decline with aging. Prog Brain Res 138:283-303.
Foster TC, Kumar A (2002) Calcium dysregulation in the aging brain. Neuroscientist 8:297-301.