A group of scientists has discovered a potential drug that can eliminate brain aging and reverse cognitive decline as humans age.
Certain cells in the body can become more problematic as age progresses, and until now, researchers have not known why the body experiences chronic inflammation during aging. They knew that inflammation could lead to cognitive decline in the brain, but a new study conducted by a group of researchers at Stanford University has discovered that certain immune cells are to blame for this. This discovery opens the door for the development of a new treatment capable of reversing the cognitive damage caused by aging.
According to Stanford neurologist Professor Katherine Anderson, myeloid cells increase inflammation as people age. These cells, found in the brain, circulatory system, and peripheral tissues, naturally fight infectious invaders and clean up biological waste such as dead cells or protein aggregates while providing nutrients to healthy cells. Professor Anderson's study found that as organisms age, myeloid cells begin to neglect their beneficial functions and instead start looking for nonexistent pathogens. This inflammatory function damages healthy tissues that the immune cells find in their path.
During this study, researchers worked to prevent and restrict the release of a specific hormone and abundant receptors in myeloid cells. In experiments conducted on older mice and human cell cultures, the potential treatment developed by the researchers not only restored metabolic processes in the mice but also reversed age-related cognitive decline. The researchers noted that the animals' movement and thinking skills began to return to levels similar to those of younger mice. According to the researchers, this new treatment helps immune cells known as "macrophages" function better by enhancing the body’s metabolism. Additionally, it suppresses a molecule called PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), which becomes more common in older patients and increases inflammation. Professor Anderson added, "If we can fine-tune and control the immune system, we can undoubtedly eliminate brain aging and progression."
#### Is it Ready for Human Trials?
Results from tests conducted on human cells indicate that the positive effects previously mentioned in the study could also be achievable in humans. Importantly, the study's authors did not observe any toxic side effects in mice, paving the way for potential trials on human patients. It is worth noting that this study, which is set to be published this month in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, highlights key changes that support cognitive decline and suggests that this mental health condition may not be permanent. It is believed that reducing inflammation could slow down the aging process, cognitive decline, heart disease, cancer, and even memory loss—conditions commonly associated with aging.
