Age-related cognitive decline ‘may begin earlier than believed’

New scientific research has suggested that cognitive decline associated with age may begin much earlier than previous studies have suggested.

Data from Inserm and the University College London has revealed that mental faculties can begin to degrade as early as age 45, much earlier than the 60-year mark that is commonly accepted as the starting point for cognitive decline.

Medical information was taken from 5,198 men and 2,192 women between the age of 45 and 70, with data showing degradation in memory, reasoning and verbal fluency over time.

According to researchers, gaining understanding of the correlation between age and cognitive decline is vital due to increasing life expectancy worldwide.

Research director Archana Singh-Manoux said: "Determining the age at which cognitive decline begins is important, since … interventions designed to change cognitive ageing trajectories are likely to be more effective if they are applied from the onset of decline."

Earlier this month, a study from Tufts University in Boston highlighted a fat-derived hormone that could play a potentially vital role in the onset of Alzheimer's disease among female patients.