Researchers report a new therapy that can reverse signs of brain aging in laboratory models. Age-related brain inflammation can cause memory problems and raise the risk of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The team developed a nasal spray that delivers extracellular vesicles, small particles that carry microRNAs, to the brain. Given in two doses, the spray reduced inflammation, helped neuronal mitochondria recover, and improved memory. Effects were seen within weeks and lasted for months.
Behavioral tests showed treated models recognised familiar objects and noticed new objects better than control models. The researchers have filed a patent and received support from a national aging institute. More studies are needed to test safety, dose, and long-term effects in people.
Difficult words
- therapy — medical treatment to help a health problem
- inflammation — body reaction that causes redness and swelling
- extracellular vesicle — tiny particle released by cells that carries signalsextracellular vesicles
- mitochondrion — part of a cell that makes energymitochondria
- dementia — illness that affects memory and thinking
- nasal spray — liquid medicine given through the nose
- patent — legal right to control a new invention
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you try a nasal spray treatment for memory if it were safe? Why or why not?
- Why is it important to test safety and dose in people before use?
- How could better memory help you in everyday life?
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