Brain Tangles and Memory Loss
In contrast to a recent article suggesting that "natural" memory loss due to aging was a consequence of social differences, here is one from Betterhumans proposing a new biochemical cause. In essence, researchers are suggesting that an early symptom of Alzheimer's (these "brain tangles" made up of a damaging protein) is more widespread than thought, and is largely responsible for minor age-related memory imparement. This is certainly intriguing: as for any purely physical cause, it is open to prevention and cure. It seems quite possible that the fight against Alzheimer's may lead to the end of memory problems and a much greater understanding of the underlying physic basis of thought and memory.
Link: http://www.betterhumans.com/News/news.aspx?articleID=2003-05-30-1