Up to 5 pct of those over 70 lose memory each year: study

[RedEarth]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As much as 5 percent of the population past the age of 70 could develop a type of memory loss known as mild cognitive impairment every year -- far more than previous estimates, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.

The numbers rise to 7 percent for those older than 80, the team at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, found.

........

MCI is defined as having memory problems -- more severe than occasionally or even regularly losing car keys -- slower thinking and a reduced ability to learn. Memory problems might include missing regular appointments or activities.

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN2843845920080728

....and McCain is how old?

[Trillo]

1. Too bad it can't be replaced.

Might be nice to just have some sockets for replaceable RAM chips.

But then, look at the biological bright side. After a lifetime of dog-eat-dog capitalism, where even early on educators impose unreasonable punishments to 'make an example' of a few, perhaps such memory loss is a blessing.

[asjr]

2. It is true. I miss the brain I used to have.

[Quantess]

3. "..far more than previous estimates.."

To me, 5% sounds like a realistic number. A few seniors start getting dementia at 70.



How old is John McCain?

[DavidDvorkin]

4. How is McCain? I just told you, five minutes ago!

[Hestia]

5. Working at a gerontologists office, this is true - you really do lose it if you don't lose it.

Exercise helps along with drawing, sculpting - anything whatsoever that is right brained. If you tell yourself "I'm not creative" becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and you lose that capacity to be creative. Do something - crosswords, word jumbles, soduku, something everday!

[Contrary1]

6. I have short-term memory loss...

Depending on what study you read, it may or may not have been caused by chemo treatments. What I do know is that I did not have the problem before. After years of taking care of the household finances, I could no longer do simple addition in my head, let alone balance a checkbook.

I was successful in regaining some of my memory function back by forcing myself to reread short newspaper articles until I remembered what they were about. I also worked crossword and logic problems. After a couple years of doing this, I did not see any further improvement.

The "in my head" math skills are pretty much kaput, except for those multiplication tables forced upon my 3rd grade class, courtesy of Sr. Patricia. :) I rely heavily on a calculator for everything else.

I was 46 when all this started, so maybe I have a little more insight into it than others. I would not want a president that had this problem, no matter what party he or she represented.