It’s one of the hallmarks of getting older: Forgetting a name or word as though your memory has suddenly skipped town. While it’s usually just a short- term lapse, it’s upsetting and for some, may herald a new era of cognitive struggles. Given that memory plays an essential role in our ability to function, scientists continuously investigate the causes of memory problems and look for ways to better diagnose and intervene in order to limit the damage.

First up, a new study out of Stanford (admittedly using mice) that disabled a particular blood molecule found in the cerebral blood vessels of older mice. Once disabled, the mice were able to perform a battery of memory tests akin to much younger mice. This result may allow researchers to target and eliminate particular proteins in human blood before they cross the blood-brain barrier and cause harm to older brains. There’s long been suspicion in the scientific community that older blood somehow causes a decline in brain physiology, so this is an exciting development. Find out more by clicking here. And a recent article in Undark describes new software that researchers are using to better reveal brain changes not readily apparent on MRI scans but of great consequence when it comes to neurologic problems and memory loss. While the software is no miracle solution it may lead to early interventions to stem the tide of significant memory loss. So try to remember to read more here.

And speaking of interventions, there are specific steps to take to prevent or limit memory loss. No surprise that one of those steps has to do with exercise. In a recent post, New York Times writer Gretchen Reynolds reports on a new study that underscores the important connection between exercise, aging, and memory. And while you’re on that treadmill or exercise bike, you also need to think about your reading habits. It turns out that daily reading not only improves memory but can be effective in combatting decline once a dementia diagnosis is made. Writing in Being Patient, author Linda Freund reports on the memory-boosting benefits of reading- and provides helpful ideas to tailor reading materials and strategies to older people afflicted with dementia. So pick up your glasses and take a look here.