Healthy Diet and Lifestyle May Reduce Risk of Age-Related Brain Disorders: Study -

The study found that aging brains show increased activity in inflammation-related genes and decreased activity in genes linked to neuron structure and function.

Scientists at the Allen Institute for Brain Science have uncovered key molecular changes in the brains of aging mice. They identified a “hot spot” where most of the age-related damage is concentrated, offering new insights into brain aging. Interestingly, the affected cells in this region are closely linked to metabolism, pointing to a potential connection between diet and brain health. This discovery highlights how dietary and lifestyle factors may play a crucial role in maintaining brain function and preventing age-related disorders. The findings could pave the way for future research on therapeutic strategies to protect the brain during aging.

Scientists at the Allen Institute have pinpointed specific cell types in the brains of aging mice that undergo significant changes over time. Their research highlights a particular “hot spot” where many of these changes are concentrated. These groundbreaking findings were published in the prestigious journal Nature. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying brain aging and could potentially lead to advancements in understanding age-related brain disorders.

The study revealed that in aging brains, genes linked to inflammation became more active, while genes associated with neuronal structure and function showed decreased activity. This shift in gene activity may contribute to the cognitive decline and neurological impairments often seen in aging.

“Our hypothesis is that those cell types are becoming less efficient at integrating signals from our environment or from things that we’re consuming,” said Kelly Jin, Ph.D., a scientist at the Allen Institute for Brain Science and the lead author of the study. This suggests that as we age, the brain’s ability to process external and internal signals may decline, potentially contributing to age-related cognitive changes.

“And that loss of efficiency somehow contributes to what we know as aging in the rest of our body. I think that’s pretty amazing, and I think it’s remarkable that we’re able to find those very specific changes with the methods that we’re using,” added Kelly Jin, Ph.D. This breakthrough emphasizes the interconnectedness of brain aging and overall bodily aging, highlighting the significance of the research methods used to uncover these precise molecular changes.

Diet, lifestyle and brain ageing:

Through this study, scientists discovered a potential link between diet, lifestyle factors, brain aging, and the molecular changes that could influence our susceptibility to age-related brain disorders. The findings suggest that what we consume and how we live may play a significant role in shaping the brain’s health as we age, opening up new avenues for preventive measures and treatments.

The researchers identified a specific “hot spot” in the hypothalamus where both a decrease in neuronal function and an increase in inflammation were observed. The most notable gene expression changes were found in cell types located near the third ventricle of the hypothalamus, including tanycytes, ependymal cells, and neurons. These cells are known for their crucial roles in food intake, energy homeostasis, metabolism, and the way our bodies process nutrients, highlighting a potential link between metabolic processes and brain aging.

To conduct the study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers employed cutting-edge single-cell RNA sequencing and advanced brain-mapping tools developed through NIH’s BRAIN Initiative. These technologies enabled the team to map over 1.2 million brain cells from both young (two months old) and aged (18 months old) mice across 16 broad brain regions, providing a comprehensive view of the molecular changes associated with aging in the brain.

The aged mice used in the study are considered to be the equivalent of late middle-aged humans. Mouse brains share numerous similarities with human brains, including structure, function, genes, and cell types, making them an effective model for studying age-related changes in the brain. This similarity allows scientists to gain valuable insights into human brain aging and potential ways to mitigate related disorders.

The scientists believe that the results of this study could pave the way for future therapies aimed at slowing or managing the aging process in the brain. By understanding the molecular changes associated with brain aging, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments that could help preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related brain disorders.