UCI BioSci Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series: Why does our memory decline with age?

Memory complaints are the most common cognitive concern of individuals as they age, and it’s no wonder people are worried about it. Problems with memory are a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. That being said, occasional memory lapses are normal, even when we’re young. However, lapses in memory become more common as we age, even when there are no clinical signs of dementia. 

In his lecture, Professor Stark will cover his laboratory’s research into these age-related changes and how we can use sophisticated brain imaging and behavioral techniques to study the effects of aging on our memory. A question naturally arises from this work: Can we do anything to slow or reverse these changes? In the second part of his presentation, Professor Stark will describe recent efforts made in his lab to adapt rodent studies on “environmental enrichment” to humans. These studies show how engaging in and exploring large virtual worlds can improve memory and may ameliorate age-related memory decline.