Irish scientists pioneer memory loss research

GROUND breaking Irish research into memory loss is gripping one of the world’s largest medical trade fairs this week in Chicago.

A research team led by Jonathan McNulty of University College Dublin and Dr Richard Roche from NUI Maynooth have discovered scientific proof to show that mental exercise improves brain function.

Mr McNulty explained that by using x-ray imaging and MRI scanners, the researchers have taken the examination of memory loss to a different level.

“This has not been done before. There has been work done on psychological side but not with the use of the MRI.

“It means there are a lot of different directions this can be taken now.”

Their work was presented to an audience drawn from 80,000 delegates and exhibitors at the Radiological Society of North America.

It found by memorising a 500 word article people between the age of 55 and 70 could significantly improve memory function within six weeks.

There were no immediate signs of improvement but after a six-week wait the brain was far more capable of absorbing information.

Mr McNulty said this spells bad news for those cramming before exams.

The team was among only 16 exhibitors from a total of 25,000 to be selected to help promote the RSNA convention. This included press conferences, media work and a slot on the CNN television station.

Mr McNulty hopes this will help them to secure more funding to continue their work.

“It has been great. There has been a lot of attention from professional journals and there is a special daily newspaper produced for the event which sells about 80,000 copies and we were on the front page of that.

“When you present a paper you are always preparing for criticism but the reception has been really good.