Genes And The Aging Brain

(From Newsweek). "Are the changes in the brain that accompany aging caused by damage to the underlying genes involved in functions such as learning, memory and the transmission of nerve impulses? Exciting new research suggests that they may be, and the findings could eventually help predict and prevent degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's." The spectrum of possible degenerative conditions in the brain is as wide as the brain is complex - the well known conditions are simply those we see most often. Far greater understanding of brain genetics and cellular biochemistry is absolutely necessary for significant extension of the healthy human life span. What lies beyond cured Alzheimer's in a much longer life? We have no idea yet.

Link: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6803301/site/newsweek/