The cause of neuron death in Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood. A new study shows RNA interference may play a key role. Scientists have identified short strands of toxic RNAs that contribute to brain cell death and DNA damage in Alzheimer's and aged brains. Increasing protective short RNAs may be new approach to halt or delay Alzheimer's. The study also found that older individuals with a superior memory capacity (known as SuperAgers) have higher amounts of protective short RNA strands in their brain cells.