All articles tagged with #brain aging
Buck Institute researchers show that APOE2 helps neurons repair DNA and resist aging by reducing DNA damage and cellular senescence; studies in human iPSC-derived neurons and aged mice reveal APOE2–driven DNA repair activation and better nuclear integrity, offering a potential mechanism for APOE2's lower Alzheimer’s risk and longer lifespan and suggesting therapies that boost DNA repair for APOE4 carriers.
Researchers increased Sox9 to heighten astrocyte activity in mouse models of Alzheimer's, promoting the clearance of amyloid plaques and preserving cognitive function, suggesting a therapy that harnesses the brain’s own support cells to slow dementia progression.
Texas A&M researchers report that a two-dose intranasal spray delivering extracellular vesicles with microRNAs reduced brain inflammation, recharged neuronal mitochondria, and noticeably improved memory in preclinical aging models, suggesting a noninvasive therapy for brain aging and dementia that bypasses the blood-brain barrier; the team has filed a US patent with backing from the National Institute on Aging.
A mouse study shows a simple intranasal spray delivering stem-cell–derived particles with microRNAs reduces brain inflammation, restores mitochondrial energy, and improves memory, suggesting a noninvasive approach to slowing or reversing age-related brain decline—pending human testing.
Texas A&M researchers report a two-dose nasal spray that uses microRNA-loaded extracellular vesicles to bypass the blood-brain barrier, reduce neuroinflammation, and restore cognitive function in aging animal models within weeks — with effects lasting months and observed in both sexes. Human trials are years away; the team has filed a patent and has backing from the National Institute on Aging, though safety details remain undisclosed.
A year-long randomized trial found that adults who achieve 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise experience a significant drop in long-term cortisol, indicating a lowered baseline stress level; in addition to reduced stress hormone, the exercise group showed slower brain aging and improved biological resilience against depression, anxiety, and heart disease, providing causal evidence that regular cardio benefits stress biology beyond immediate mood effects.
A preclinical mouse study reports a nasal spray that delivers extracellular vesicles containing microRNAs to the brain can reverse signs of brain ageing within weeks, lowering inflammation and boosting cognitive processing. Two doses showed benefits, suggesting the brain’s repair systems can be reactivated, but more research and human trials are needed.
Two-dose intranasal spray delivering extracellular vesicle microRNA cargo reduced brain inflammation, recharged mitochondrial function, and significantly improved memory in aging brain models within weeks—effects lasting months—which could reshape neurodegenerative therapies and offer a noninvasive alternative to invasive procedures or long-term meds, with a U.S. patent filed.
A Texas A&M–led study reports a non-invasive intranasal spray carrying extracellular vesicles and microRNA cargo can reach the brain, suppress chronic inflammation, recharge mitochondrial function, and markedly improve memory in aging models within weeks—effects persist for months after just two doses and are similar in males and females. The researchers envision potential use in stroke recovery and dementia therapy, and a U.S. patent has been filed.
A study of 1,647 adults over about 12 years found that closer adherence to the MIND diet (Mediterranean–DASH Diet) is linked to slower brain aging: every 3-point increase in the diet score corresponded to 20% less gray-matter loss (roughly 2.5 years of delay) and 8% less ventricular enlargement (about 1 year). Berries and poultry were key contributors; sweets and fried foods worsened hippocampal health. Unexpectedly, higher whole-grain intake was linked to faster decline, while higher cheese intake was associated with slower gray-matter and hippocampal loss and less ventricular enlargement—a notable exception to the diet’s usual limits. Benefits were stronger among older individuals, those who were physically active, and those not overweight, suggesting diet works with other healthy habits to protect brain structure.
A long-term study of over 1,600 middle-aged and older adults found that stronger adherence to the MIND diet slowed brain aging, with about 2.5 years of reduced aging and 8%–8.8% less ventricular expansion over roughly 12 years; specific foods like berries and poultry were associated with protective brain changes, while sweets and fried foods linked to worse outcomes. The study notes limitations such as demographic homogeneity and lack of APOE data, but suggests the MIND diet could be an accessible strategy to support brain health as populations age.
A study of 1,647 middle-aged and older adults found that closer adherence to the MIND diet—a Mediterranean-DASH blend rich in antioxidants—was linked to less brain tissue loss, especially gray matter, and less ventricular enlargement over about 12 years, equating to roughly 2.5 years slower brain aging; results varied with some foods (whole grains linked to faster gray-matter decline; cheese linked to slower decline), and causality isn’t established.
A 12-year Framingham Heart Study Offspring analysis found higher adherence to the MIND diet—rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and moderate wine—was associated with slower brain aging on MRI, including reduced gray matter loss and less ventricular expansion. Each 3-point rise in MIND score correlated with about 0.279 cm³/year slower gray matter loss (roughly 20% less aging and ~2.5 years) and −0.071 cm³/year slower ventricular expansion (about 1 year). Benefits were strongest for berries and poultry; sweets and fried foods linked to worse changes. The study is observational, with recall bias and a predominantly White cohort limiting causal claims, but supports the brain-health potential of the MIND diet as part of a healthy lifestyle.
A large observational study found that adherence to the MIND diet—an blend of Mediterranean and DASH principles focused on brain-healthy foods like berries, leafy greens, fish, poultry, whole grains, olive oil, and nuts—was associated with slower brain aging over about 12 years, including reduced gray-matter loss and slower enlargement of brain ventricles, equating to roughly a 2.5-year delay. The effect appears tied to overall dietary pattern rather than a single food, but causation can’t be proven.
A 12-month randomized trial found that healthy adults who followed a structured aerobic program (about 150 minutes per week) had brains that appeared roughly 0.6 years younger on MRI than those who did not, with the difference approaching a full year. The change was modest and not explained by a single measured factor, suggesting multiple potential mechanisms. While larger studies are needed to link brain-age reductions to dementia risk, the findings support following current exercise guidelines to help keep the brain biologically younger into midlife.