A new nasal spray may reverse brain aging and restore memory. Researchers at Texas A&M University developed the treatment. It aims to calm inflammation and restore the brain’s energy systems. Memory and cognitive function improved for months after two doses in test models.
The therapy uses microscopic biological particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs carry microRNAs, which regulate biological processes in the brain. The nasal spray delivers the treatment directly to brain tissue. This method bypasses the brain's protective barrier.
Once in the brain, the treatment targets immune cells involved in chronic inflammation. It suppressed inflammatory systems linked to age-related brain inflammation. The therapy also restored activity in mitochondria. Mitochondria are cell structures that produce energy. Aging and inflammation can damage them.
Improved mitochondrial function helped brain cells recover their ability to process and store information. Behavioral tests showed treated models performed better on memory and recognition tasks. They identified familiar objects and recognized new ones more successfully. These effects appeared quickly and lasted for months after only two doses.
This approach could lead to new therapies for conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Annual dementia cases in the United States are projected to increase significantly by 2060. The study found similar treatment responses across both sexes. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) supported this research.
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