Newcastle University

If you click on an underlined word, it will take you to the glossary. From here you can scroll to the definition.

Quick-read Summary

• As we age, neurons (brain cells) die naturally and this causes our brain to shrink.
• The hippocampus is found in the middle of the brain; its function is for learning and memory.
• The aim was to see if the size of the hippocampus had an affect on brain function which could predict dementia.
• We looked at bhippocampus sizes in different groups of people over the age of 75. They either were:  healthy, had dementia, had a stroke, or had both a stroke and dementia. We then did a brain test on each person to look at their brain function.
• We found that people who had a stroke and dementia had a smaller hippocampus than the other groups of people.
• Those who had lower scores in their brain function, particularly in memory tests, had the smallest brains.
• Hippocampus shrinkage is a sign of brain damage. The more your brain shrinks the more likely you are to develop dementia.
• We do not have treatments to stop the brain shrinking. But, this research has shown that living a healthy life style will reduce our risk of developing dementia. Those that were healthy had the least brain shrinkage. 

The aims of this study

To see if there were differences in size of the hippocampus in the brain in people who had different types of dementia and those who had a stroke but did not have dementia. This study aimed to find out if shrinkage in the hippocampus varied in these different groups.

Simplified diagram of the brain                                                                    The hippocampus under a microscope

Why are we doing this study?

Previous studies using MRI scans have shown that a decrease in the size of the hippocampus is found in older people who have dementia.

What we did

The scientists followed different groups of older people who were over the age of 75 throughout their life until they died.

-One group had a stroke

-One group had dementia

-One group had a stroke and dementia

-One group did not have a stroke or dementia

From the age of 75 until they died, a brain function test was done every year. They met with a researcher who did the brain test by asking questions. The brain test is called a Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG).

After they died, 95 brains were looked at using a microscope. They looked at changes in size of the hippocampus. 

What did we find?

• That people with stroke and dementia had lower brain test scores than those who did not have a stroke or dementia.
• The size of the hippocampus was smallest in people who had dementia compared to the people who did not have a stroke or dementia.
• As the brain function test score lowered so did the size of the hippocampus.

Key message:

This suggests that those whose brain tests become worse with time are at a higher risk of developing dementia. Unfortunately, the CAMCOG test is too complicated to be done by yourself. If you believe you have problems with your memory, you should speak to your doctor.

 

If you would like to read more information on risk factors for stroke and dementia, please click here