Memory loss is something nearly every adult faces as they grow older, but a new breakthrough study is offering hope in the form of cord blood. Researchers believe a protein in umbilical cord blood can help restore memory loss and retention of new information.

A new study from researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine has found that cord blood contains a protein that typically disappears from a person’s system as they age. The protein allows neurons in the brain to communicate more efficiently. The researchers believe the cord blood helps repair the hippocampus, the part of the brain that helps create long-term memories and retain spatial information.

In the experiments, the scientists injected either human cord blood plasma, blood from young adults, and blood from adults aged 61 and 82 into aging mice every fourth day for two weeks. The mice who received the injections of cord blood showed significant improvement in memory, learning, and hippocampal function. The blood of the young adults only provided a minimal change, and the blood from older adults made no impact at all. The researchers say that this trial suggests that it’s likely the cord blood protein will have a similar effect in people.

While these findings are incredible, it’s important to note that the main focus was on changes in the brain due to aging and more research is needed determine how helpful these findings will be in treating people with more severe memory loss, like those with dementia and Alzheimers.

Do you have a parent or family member affected by memory loss? Share your experiences in the comments.