Memory decline may begin as early as middle age, a new study suggests

• Subtle memory loss commonly occurs as we age.
• Much of aging cognitive changes are due to the changes in areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus.
• A new study found that the memory loss transition may occur in middle age.
• Researchers found older adult memory loss may be caused by reactivation of the hippocampus.

As we age, it is not uncommon to experience subtle cognitive changes, such as forgetfulness and subtle memory loss.

Much of this is due to changes in the brain as we age, especially to areas like the hippocampus, which is involved in memory.

Now a new study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex reports that memory loss may begin earlier in life than we think. Researchers also shed light on why memory loss occurs in the first place.