Category: Brain & Neurons

Key Points:  The gum disease-assocaited bacteria F. nucleatum lowers cognitive function in mice.  The brain tissue of mice with gum disease exhibit significantly higher levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated-tau (p-Tau), both hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease progression.  Mice with gum disease also have elevated brain inflammation.  The CDC confirms that nearly 50% of adults… Continue reading Gum Disease Pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum May Increase Alzheimer’s Risk

Key points:  Treating aged mice with the anti-aging protein klotho improves their spatial and short-term memory.  Klotho and cognitive stimulation activate overlapping metabolites in young mice, suggesting that klotho mimics cognitive stimulation.  Klotho was named after one of the Fates, the Greek goddess Clotho, who spins the thread of life. It was named so by… Continue reading Study Suggest Anti-Aging Protein Mimics Mental Stimulation in Mice

Key Points:  Agomelatine improves the memory and learning of Alzheimer’s mice by enhancing autophagy — the cellular waste clearance system that deteriorates with age. Antidepressant drugs could potentially treat the cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease. None of us are safe from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as 90% of cases are sporadic. For those already diagnosed,… Continue reading Study Shows Agomelatine Prevents Cognitive Deficits in Alzheimer’s  

Key Points:  Alleviating cognitive decline with omega-3s may only occur with adequate B vitamin levels.  Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 break down the amino acid homocysteine, allowing for omega-3s to be incorporated into the membranes of brain cells. As we age, our brains progressively atrophy (deteriorate, shrink, degenerate), leading to cognitive decline. Cognitive decline can… Continue reading How B Vitamins and Omega-3s Could Prevent Cognitive Decline

Key Points: Age-related cognitive decline – progressive reduction in thinking capacity – is accelerated in type 2 patients. Neurodegeneration – brain deterioration – is accelerated by 26% in type 2 diabetes patients. As we age, our brains progressively deteriorate, making it increasingly more difficult to think. Among other faculties, we lose our ability to focus,… Continue reading New Study Shows Type 2 Diabetes Accelerates Brain Aging

Key Points: Treatment with the immune protein GM-CSF improves the spatial memory of middle-aged to older mice. GM-CSF also improves the memory of a mouse model for Down syndrome. Treatment with GM-CSF increases neuronal organization in the hippocampus – a region of the brain associated with memory – in Down syndrome mice.  Most of us… Continue reading Study Shows that GM-CSF Improves the Memory of Middle to Older Age and Down Syndrome Mice

Key Points USC researchers pinpoint 15 loci – specific positions of a gene or DNA sequence on a chromosome – that accelerate or halt brain aging.  Genetic analysis reveals an overlap between genes associated with schizophrenia, depression, insomnia, and cognitive functioning.  Our genes, along with environmental factors, dictate how our brains change with age .… Continue reading USC Researchers Identify Genes Associated with Structural Changes to the Aging Brain

Key Points:  The plant-based compound phlorizin – found in foods like almonds, apples, and strawberries – increases antioxidant defenses, reduces inflammation, and prevents brain cell death in aged mice. Memory and cognitive abilities are improved by phlorizin treatment.  Phlorizin-induced changes in gut bacteria are associated with improved antioxidant defenses and reduced cell death.  When it… Continue reading Phlorizin – a Compound Found in Common Foods – has Anti-Aging Benefits

Key Points:  Older adults tend to nap longer and more frequently with aging.  Longer and more frequent naps may be indicative of an increased the risk for Alzheimer’s dementia. Napping duration is also associated with lower cognitive performance in old age.  Does napping too much cause our wakefulness neurons to die, or do dead neurons… Continue reading Scientists Link Excessive Napping to Alzheimer’s