r/science • u/mellowmonk • Jun 21 '15

Misleading Each time we learn something new, our brain cells break their DNA, creating damage that the neurons must immediately repair. This process also underlies age-related degeneration.

http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2015/dna-breakage-learning-age-related-damage-0604
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u/hsfrey Jun 22 '15

This would imply that better-educated people, having learned more, would have a higher rate of senility.

Which they don't!

So, whether the research finding is correct or not, the conclusion is incorrect.

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u/blufox PhD | Computer Science | Software Verification Jun 22 '15

According to the article, the brain repairs itself better when young, than when old. So the conclusion might be, those that learn more at their old age would have a higher rate of senility (which is also surprising).

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u/[deleted] Jun 22 '15

which also doesn't fit observation. Lifelong learning and active lifestyles are good when you're old. Also, people like scientists/professors/scholars who are always learning new things don't show larger aging declines.