Memory decline may start early

Memory problems are often linked to old age but new research suggests that changes in memory may begin much earlier during middle age.

Researchers at Binghamton University in the United States studied around 60 people between the ages of 18 and 74.

Participants were shown different faces along with objects and scenes.  They were later given memory tests while MRI scans were used to observe activity in a part of the brain called the hippocampus.

The hippocampus plays an important role in creating and storing new memories. The study found that brain changes linked to memory may start becoming noticeable during middle age rather than only in later life.

Study co-author Ain McDonough said middle age is an important period for memory that has often been overlooked in earlier research.