06/19/2009 - News

Memory decline without dementia is linked to brain tissue loss

By: Susan Aldridge, medical journalist, PhD

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Brain deficit has been found among people with memory problems. Memory problems do not necessarily mean dementia, or even mild cognitive impairment, which is sometimes a precursor condition to Alzheimer's disease. But new research from Dartmouth Medical School reveals that memory problems are still linked with brain deficits.

In a study of 120 people over the age of 60, those who complained of memory problems - but performed normally on tests - had reduced gray matter density. The study suggests that all memory problems should be taken seriously. These brain changes might be significant in terms of a future diagnosis of dementia. The finding of reduced gray matter sheds new light on this important issue.

Source

Neurology 12th September 2006

Created on: 09/19/2006
Reviewed on: 06/19/2009

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