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Rachel V Thomas

Brain Aging: This Protein Is Linked to Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline

Aging is a significant factor in <span>memory loss</span> and <span>cognitive decline</span>. Now, a team of US researchers has pinpointed a single protein that drives these changes in the brains of the elderly.

In aging mice, higher levels of protein FTL1 weakened connections between brain cells, leading to memory decline. 

But when FTL1 was reduced, the brain began to recover. It also rebuilt lost connections and restored memory performance, according to the study, published in Nature Aging.

"It is truly a reversal of impairments," said Saul Villeda, Associate Director at the University of California - San Francisco's Bakar Aging Research Institute and senior author of the paper. "It's much more than merely delaying or preventing symptoms."

While the research was carried out in aging mice, it holds immense potential for human brain function. 

<h2>FTL1: A Key Driver Of <span rel="noindex">Brain Aging</span> </h2>

In the study, the researchers tracked shifts in genes and proteins in the hippocampus of mice. The FTL1 protein appeared consistently different between young and old animals. 

Compared to young mice, the older mice showed higher levels of FTL1. They also had fewer connections between neurons in the hippocampus and performed worse on cognitive tests.

Increasing FTL1 levels in young mice produced brain changes similar to those seen in older mice. The researchers found that this change occurs because of alterations in the way nerve cells produce FTL1 protein.

In older mice, the nerve cells that produced high amounts of FTL1 developed simplified structures, forming short, single extensions instead of the complex, branching networks seen in healthy cells.

Further experiments showed that in older mice, higher levels of the protein slowed cellular metabolism in the hippocampus -- the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory.

However, when researchers treated these cells with a compound that boosts metabolism, the negative effects were prevented.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/this-unique-diet-slows-brain-aging-by-over-2-years-study-says-article-153949704" data-type="tilCustomLink">This Unique Diet Slows Brain Aging By Over 2 Years, Study Says</a>

<h2>A Promise For Future Brain Aging Therapies </h2>

Villeda believes these findings could pave the way for treatments that target FTL1 and counter its effects in the brain. 

"We're seeing more opportunities to alleviate the worst consequences of old age," he said. "It's a hopeful time to be working on the biology of aging."

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/exercising-could-make-your-brain-younger-says-doctor-article-153906778" data-type="tilCustomLink">Exercising Could Make Your Brain Younger, Says Doctor</a>

<ul><li>Simple movements like squats, push-ups or resistance band <span rel="noindex">exercises</span> </li><li>Indulging in mentally challenging activities such as puzzles, reading, strategy games</li><li>Learn new skills like any language, or musical instruments  </li><li>Better <span rel="noindex">sleep</span> — about 7-9 hours</li><li><span rel="noindex">Healthy diet</span> — rich in leafy greens, vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, beans, poultry</li><li>meditation, deep breathing, or yoga</li><li>Avoid smoking, and drinking alcohol.</li></ul>

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Brain Aging

Memory Loss

Cognitive Decline

Brain impairments

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Aging is a significant factor in memory loss and cognitive decline. Now, a team of US researchers has pinpointed a single protein that drives these changes in the brains of the elderly. In aging mice, higher levels of protein FTL1 weakened connections between brain cells, leading to memory decline. But when FTL1 was reduced, the brain began to recover. It also rebuilt lost connections and restored memory performance, according to the study, published in Nature Aging."It is truly a reversal of impairments," said Saul Villeda, Associate Director at the University of California - San Francisco's Bakar Aging Research Institute and senior author of the paper. "It's much more than merely delaying or preventing symptoms." While the research was carried out in aging mice, it holds immense potential for human brain function.  FTL1: A Key Driver Of Brain Aging In the study, the researchers tracked shifts in genes and proteins in the hippocampus of mice. The FTL1 protein appeared consistently different between young and old animals. Compared to young mice, the older mice showed higher levels of FTL1. They also had fewer connections between neurons in the hippocampus and performed worse on cognitive tests. Increasing FTL1 levels in young mice produced brain changes similar to those seen in older mice. The researchers found that this change occurs because of alterations in the way nerve cells produce FTL1 protein. In older mice, the nerve cells that produced high amounts of FTL1 developed simplified structures, forming short, single extensions instead of the complex, branching networks seen in healthy cells. Further experiments showed that in older mice, higher levels of the protein slowed cellular metabolism in the hippocampus -- the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. However, when researchers treated these cells with a compound that boosts metabolism, the negative effects were prevented. Also read: This Unique Diet Slows Brain Aging By Over 2 Years, Study SaysA Promise For Future Brain Aging Therapies Villeda believes these findings could pave the way for treatments that target FTL1 and counter its effects in the brain. "We're seeing more opportunities to alleviate the worst consequences of old age," he said. "It's a hopeful time to be working on the biology of aging."Also read: Exercising Could Make Your Brain Younger, Says DoctorHere's How To Boost Your BrainSimple movements like squats, push-ups or resistance band exercises Indulging in mentally challenging activities such as puzzles, reading, strategy gamesLearn new skills like any language, or musical instruments  Better sleep — about 7-9 hoursHealthy diet — rich in leafy greens, vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, beans, poultrymeditation, deep breathing, or yogaAvoid smoking, and drinking alcohol.

brain aging: this protein is linked to memory loss and cognitive decline

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Brain Aging: This Protein Is Linked to Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline

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Health Conditions A-Z

Brain Aging: This Protein Is Linked to Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline

Early-Stage Lung Cancer Surgery Safe, Effective Even After 80, Reveals Lancet Study

Are Young Indians At Risk? The Rising Burden Of Early-Onset Cancers