Scientists claim to have solved the mystery of how stress contributes to memory loss in old age.

　　Researchers at Edinburgh University have shown how two receptors in older brains react to the stress hormone cortisol, which has been linked to memory loss in the elderly.

　　科學家們表明他們已經揭開了壓力如何導致老年記憶衰退之秘。愛丁堡大學的研究者解釋了兩個老化的大腦感受器如何對應激激素皮質醇作出反應，這跟老年記憶衰退有關。

　　The study found that one receptor was activated by low levels of cortisol, which helped memory.

　　研究發現一個感受器被低水平的皮質醇所激活，有助于記憶力。

　　However, once levels of the hormone were too high they spilled over on to a second receptor, activating brain processes which contribute to memory impairment.

　　然而，一旦激素水平過高，就會溢出灑向第二個感受器，激活大腦運作導致記憶障礙。

　　When the receptor linked to poor memory was blocked, the memory recall problem was reversed.

　　當連接到健忘的感受器被阻塞，記憶恢復問題就會被改變。

　　The experiment based on older mice navigating a maze, was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

　　The research helps explain why too much stress over a prolonged period interferes with the normal processes in storing everyday memories.

　　This is despite the fact that a little bit of stress can help us better remember emotional memories.

　　Dr Joyce Yau said: 'While we know that stress hormones affect memory, this research explains how the receptors they engage with can switch good memory to poorly-functioning memory in old age.'

　　以大老鼠走迷宮為基礎的實驗發表在《神經科學雜志》上。

　　該研究解釋了為什么長期過多壓力會影響日常儲存記憶的正常程序。

　　盡管一點點壓力可以幫助我們更好地進行情緒記憶。

　　Joyce Yau教授說：“我們知道應激激素影響記憶，該研究解釋了參與的兩個感受器如何在老年時將良好記憶轉換成不良記憶。”

　　She added that understanding the mechanisms in the brain, which affect memory as we age, will help find ways to combat conditions linked to memory loss.

　　The study was funded by the Medical Research Council.

　　她還說，了解隨著年齡老化影響記憶的大腦機制有助于找到與記憶衰退有關問題的解決方法。

　　該研究得到了醫學研究理事會的資助。

　　Professor Chris Kennard, of the MRC, said: 'This research highlights some interesting, original concepts relating to why memory loss occurs in old age.

　　'With people living ever longer, the MRC is really focusing on research which allows elderly people not just to survive, but also to stay healthy.'

　　The researchers are looking at a new chemical compound which blocks an enzyme, known as 11beta-HSD1, which helps produce stress hormones within cells.

　　MRC的教授Chris Kennard說：“這項研究重點介紹了一些原始有趣的觀念，即關于為什么老年人記憶會衰退。”

　　“隨著人們活的越來越長，MRC真正關注的研究不僅是老年人的生存，而且是他們健康地生活。”

　　研究人員在關注一種新的化合物11beta-HSD1，它能阻礙一種酶，可以幫助細胞產生應激激素。

　　They hope this could be used to develop a drug treatment to slow the normal decline in memory associated with ageing, or even improve memory in people who are very old.

　　他們希望這種化合物可以用來發明一種藥物治療，放慢由于變老造成的正常記憶衰退速度，甚至提高老年人的記憶力。

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