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American scientists from Stony Brook University have identified a critical age at which brain aging begins.
This figure was determined based on the results of brain scans and testing involving 19,300 volunteers, whose average age was 44.
It was at the age of 44 that the brain begins to ageand this neurodegenerative process reaches its maximum speed at the age of 67. According to researchers, in people who live to be 90 years old, the rate of brain aging levels off.
The researchers emphasize that the results of the new study may be useful in finding new ways to improve brain health later in life.
«Understanding when and how brain aging accelerates gives us strategic points for intervention. We have identified a critical period in midlife when the brain begins to experience a decrease in energy access, but before irreversible damage occurs, essentially a fracture before a fracture»,— the neuroscientist notes Lilianna Muhika-Parodi.
Scientists have identified a key factor in degenerative processes in the brain, emphasizing that aging is caused by the fact that neurons begin to absorb glucose as energy less and less. Subsequently, this disrupts the exchange of signals in the brain.
American scientists were able to confirm their own hypothesis that metabolism affects the aging process of the brain by conducting genetic analysis. The activity associated with the glucose-absorbing protein GLUT4 and the fat-transporting protein APOE corresponded to signs of brain wear.
The researchers concluded that replacing or restoring energy sources for neurons in this way can significantly slow down the aging of the brain and potentially provide another way to fight neurodegenerative diseases.
«In middle age, neurons experience metabolic stress due to a lack of energy; they weaken but are still viable Therefore, providing alternative energy sources during this critical period can help restore function.However, in later life, prolonged neuronal starvation can cause a cascade of other physiological effects that make the intervention less effective», — Lilianne Muhika-Parodi emphasized.
Scientists tested their hypothesis by conducting an experiment with a group of 101 volunteers who were given ketone supplements that increase the sensitivity of brain cells to insulin and suppress metabolic disorders. It is noted that the process of initial brain aging has stabilized, and the greatest effect was seen in people aged 40 to 59 years.
«Instead of waiting for cognitive symptoms to appear, which may not manifest until significant damage has occurred, we can potentially identify at-risk individuals using neurometabolic markers and intervene during this critical window», — adds neuroscientist Botond Antal.
The study was published in the journal PNAS
Source: Science Alert