Discovery of a molecule that can reverse brain aging

(Dan Tri) - A molecule in the brain appears to be able to reverse the aging process of the brain and may even cancel out the effects of Alzheimer's disease.

Cognitive decline is often considered an inevitable part of aging, but new research suggests it may not be as permanent and progressive as we once thought (Photo: iStock).

A team of Brazilian scientists has identified a molecule in the brain that appears to reverse brain aging and may even cancel out the effects of Alzheimer's disease in animal models.

This molecule is called hevin, and it is secreted by a type of brain cell called astrocytes.

Astrocytes help maintain connections between nerve cells. As we age, these connections tend to weaken, leading to memory loss and slower thinking. Hevin plays an important role in keeping these connections strong.

The researchers found that old mice, along with mice showing signs of Alzheimer's disease, had reduced levels of hevin in their brains. When they worked to increase hevin production in these animals, their cognitive abilities improved.

The mice performed better on memory tasks and their brain activity showed healthier synaptic function.

Surprisingly, increasing hevin did not affect the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques. These plaques are often associated with Alzheimer's disease, but their role in causing the disease is still debated.

This new research suggests there may be other ways to relate to cognitive decline that don't just focus on plaque removal.

Research has also focused on understanding astrocytes and their support functions in the brain. Much of the focus in neuroscience has traditionally been on neurons.

The research results have highlighted the role of these support cells, thereby opening up new directions for understanding how to reverse the aging process in the brain.

Although these findings are still in their early stages and based on animal studies, the research results offer hope for future treatments.

Scientists believe that drugs that mimic the effects of hevin could eventually help people maintain or regain cognitive function as they age.

Now, this research helps us better understand how the brain changes with age and how those changes can be slowed or even reversed.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/phat-hien-mot-phan-tu-co-the-dao-nguoc-qua-trinh-lao-hoa-cua-nao-20250526000554978.htm