Mice with reduced expression of Ercc1, however, show a less rapid progeria phenotype, surviving until 4-6 months of age, but exhibit clear signs of metabolic, neurologic, and cognitive decline (including learning and memory deficits) along with neurodegenerative changes (elevated expression of markers that indicate reactive astrocytosis and apoptosis)[29,30]. Here, ERCC1 is linked to Mental deterioration.