Scientists Find Clue to Age-Related Memory Loss

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, led by neurologist Dr.Scott Small,
have found a compeling clue in the quest to learn what causes age-related memory
decline. Their report suggests age related memory loss is a distinct condition, different
from pre-Alzheimers. So it may be considered to be normal "old age forgetfulness"  and
eventually be treatable.
After examining, young and old, brains of deceased individuals without neurologic
disease they discovered certain genes in a specific part of the hippocampus (the
brain's memory center) quits functioning properly as it produces amounts of a key protein
RbAp48, in mature adults.
Researchers suspect the dentate gyrus is highly vulnerable to the aging process but is not located
in the area of the brain where Alzheimers begins to form. Testing in older mice, who show the
same forgetfulness as older humans, showed that when mice were deprived of the RbAp48 protein memory decline was present. Their memory ability returned to it's previous level when the said protein was reintroduced into their diets.
We already know that routine exerecise also makes the dentate gyrus (the age targeted spot in the brain's hypocampus) function more efficiently and effectively.  
 Reported by Lauran Neergaard    Associated Press