You may have heard about patients suffering from a constant runny nose that turned out to be leaking brain fluid. While such injuries are rare, a new study finds there’s another leak in the brain that simply comes from age. Researchers at the University of Washington say a tiny leak in the blood-brain barrier may be the reason for general forgetfulness and a failing memory as people grow old. From Study Finds. 

The blood-brain barrier is a key component of any healthy brain. This complex system of blood vessels runs through the brain and protects against harmful substances reaching the organ. Researchers say it’s still unclear if the blood-brain barrier affects actual brain function. What their study does find is that the barrier leaks as people age and loses key cells, called pericytes.