Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that, in old age … wait, what were we saying?
OK, memory loss in the elderly is no laughing matter. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that in old age men were 1.5 times more likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment, a condition that goes beyond the normal loss of function as the brain ages. MCI is marked by trouble thinking or recalling events and can lead to Alzheimer’s.
As researcher Ronald Petersen explained:
“If these results are confirmed in other studies, it may suggest that factors related to gender play a role in the disease. For example, men may experience cognitive decline earlier in life but more gradually, whereas women may transition from normal memory directly to dementia at a later age but more quickly.”
Sad news for guys everywhere. And, it turns out, if you’re due for brain problems in your old age, there’s nothing you can do to stop them: Last week scientists found that brain exercises can only delay, but not prevent, dementia. (via LiveScience)