# New Brain Scan Finding May Help Explain Memory Problems in Older Adults
Understanding why some older adults experience cognitive decline while others maintain sharp minds remains one of the most pressing challenges in geriatric mental health. This Japanese study sheds light on a previously underappreciated brain structure that may play an important role in memory and thinking abilities. The research focused on small, fluid-filled spaces near the top of the brain called ACES cysts (Arachnoid Cuff Exit Site cysts), examining whether their presence relates to cognitive performance in people undergoing evaluation for dementia.
The study included 112 older adults aged 66 to 94 years who received brain MRI scans as part of dementia screening. Using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)—a widely used test that assesses memory, attention, and thinking skills—researchers compared cognitive function between those who had ACES cysts and those who didn’t. The findings were striking: ACES cysts were present in roughly half of participants, and those with these structures scored significantly lower on cognitive tests. Perhaps most intriguing, the presence of ACES cysts emerged as a strong independent predictor of lower cognitive scores, meaning this association held true even after accounting for other factors. In people without these cysts, cognitive scores declined predictably with age, but in those with ACES cysts, the relationship between age and cognition was disrupted, suggesting these structures may interfere with normal brain aging processes.
For families and healthcare providers working with older adults experiencing memory concerns, these findings offer a potential new piece of the puzzle in understanding cognitive decline. While more research is needed to understand exactly how ACES cysts might affect brain function, their detection on routine MRI scans could eventually help clinicians better assess dementia risk and tailor care approaches. This research highlights the importance of detailed brain imaging in geriatric psychiatric evaluations and may eventually lead to more personalized strategies for supporting cognitive health in aging populations.
Source Information
Original Title: Association between the Presence of the Parasagittal Cyst-like Structures and Cognitive Function.
Authors: Ohashi T, Ito R, Yamamoto R, Ukai K, Naganawa S
Journal: Magnetic resonance in medical sciences : MRMS : an official journal of Japan Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (Oct 2025)
PubMed ID: 39581589
DOI: 10.2463/mrms.mp.2024-0138
This summary was generated using AI to make recent geriatrics and frailty research more accessible. Please refer to the original article for complete details.
