Scientists Identify Critical “Midlife Window” for Preventing Age-Related Brain Decline - SBU News
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Groundbreaking research reveals metabolic interventions could help prevent cognitive aging STONY BROOK, NY, March 5, 2025 – A landmark study published in PNAS has unveiled that brain aging follows a distinct yet nonlinear trajectory with critical transition points. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists led by Lilianne R. Mujica-Parodi, PhD, of Stony Brook University, offers

A landmark study published in PNAS has unveiled that brain aging follows a distinct yet nonlinear trajectory with critical transition points. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists led by Lilianne R. Mujica-Parodi, PhD, of Stony Brook University, offers new insights into when interventions to prevent cognitive decline might be most effective.

  • I_Fart_Glitter@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    2 days ago

    This is suggesting that a ketogenic diet may be helpful as an early intervention because ketones feed the weakening neurons of an aging brain before they reach the point of no return.

    I’m curious how this relates to this article from a few days ago about the protective sugary coating on our brains that degrades with age. That one did not have any remarks about a connection with dietary sugar intake or lack there of.

    https://lemmy.world/post/26369592

    https://www.techexplorist.com/brains-sugar-shield-unravel-secrets-aging/97464/

    In a study with aging mice, Shi discovered significant changes in the sugary coating (glycocalyx) on cells that form the blood-brain barrier. This barrier protects the brain by filtering harmful substances and allowing essential nutrients in.

    Shi compares the glycocalyx to a forest: in young, healthy brains, it’s lush and thriving, but in older brains, it becomes sparse and degraded.

    These age-related changes weaken the blood-brain barrier, making it leaky. As a result, harmful molecules can enter the brain, potentially causing inflammation, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases.