A researcher wanted to examine the role of degeneration of the hippocampus to loss of ability to store memories in Alzheimer's patients. Using a variety of imaging techniques (CAT scan, MRI), the researcher confirmed and measured the brain damage to the hippocampus in each of the subjects. A neuropsychologist also tested the individuals on a variety of neuropsychological measures to assess their ability to store new memories. It was found that the degree of brain damage to the hippocampus was highly related to the loss of causes the loss of ability to store new memories.