An international team of scientists may have uncovered the key to treating accelerated brain aging with a new anti-aging technology called cellular reprogramming, according to a study published in Cell Stem Cell. Cellular reprogramming reverts cells to an earlier stage of development which is done using 4 genes called Yamanaka factors. Yamanaka factors were originally used to revert adult cells into stem cells, but the scientists report that the transient activation of the Yamanaka factors has been found to make cells younger without turning them into stem cells.
Anti-aging cellular reprogramming technology rejuvenates the brain
In the past, studies have shown cellular reprogramming to prolong the lifespan of animal models as well as rejuvenate multiple organs and tissues. But, it remained unclear how cellular reprogramming would affect the rejuvenation of the brain.
To investigate how cellular reprogramming affects the brain genetically modified mice techniques were used to induce cellular reprogramming while the animals were still in the womb, causing them to develop larger brains. As a result, the mice were observed to have better balance, to be less compulsive, and to be more sociable.
To observe the effect of cellular reprogramming on brain development and behavior, Yamanaka factors were injected into mice modeling of Alzheimer’s disease. The injections led to the mitigation of several biomarkers of the disease and brain aging, including reduced levels of amyloid beta plaques.
Anti-aging cellular reprogramming gene therapy was also found to increase the number of structures on neurons that receive signals from other neurons called dendritic spines, which improved communication allowing the brain to function better via electrochemical signals. Additionally, cellular reprogramming promoted more anti-aging effects by also decreasing markers for damaging senescent zombie cells that accumulate with age and contribute to disease.
The cellular reprogrammed mice models of Alzheimer’s disease were also found to perform better on various cognitive challenges designed to assess memory and cognitive flexibility. However, it had no effects on tasks designed to measure anxiety and depression suggesting that the anti-aging technology can mitigate cognitive deficits but not the emotional deficits that are associated with the brain-wasting disease.
Preventing accelerated brain aging
This anti-aging technology is still an emerging science, meaning that it is not likely to be tested on human brains any time soon. That being said, cellular reprogramming is being discussed to be used in a human clinical trial on a rare eye disease sometime in 2025.
While we wait for this technology to be developed further, there are measures that one can take to attempt to prevent accelerated brain aging.
For example, following a healthful nutritious diet and exercise have been shown time and time again to help prevent accelerated brain aging, while eating in excess, being overweight, and having a sedentary lifestyle leads to metabolic defects that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia.
Sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle that most often gets overlooked, but getting enough rejuvenating restful sleep can help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Nurturing and maintaining positive close social bonds/connections and a sense of belonging is also associated with the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.
Physical activity and various breathing and relaxation exercises such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation can help to mitigate levels of stress which have been shown to be detrimental to brain health.
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like learning a new language, reading a book, or writing a letter, can help to keep your mind sharp. Think of your brain as a muscle, you need to use it and exercise it, or you will lose it.
These factors combined can help to mitigate associated psychiatric disorders including stress and anxiety that can increase the risk of accelerated brain aging and development of Alzheimer’s disease.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
Shen, Y. R., Zaballa, S., Bech, X., Sancho-Balsells, A., Rodríguez-Navarro, I., Cifuentes-Díaz, C., Seyit-Bremer, G., Chun, S. H., Straub, T., Abante, J., Merino-Valverde, I., Richart, L., Gupta, V., Li, H. Y., Ballasch, I., Alcázar, N., Alberch, J., Canals, J. M., Abad, M., Serrano, M., … Del Toro, D. (2024). Expansion of the neocortex and protection from neurodegeneration by in vivo transient reprogramming. Cell stem cell, S1934-5909(24)00327-8. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2024.09.013
