Scientists from the University of Washington have discovered that one of the keys to maintaining a healthy brain as we age is the health of the blood-brain barrier, a complex network of blood vessels that protect the brain.
Their extensive review of over 150 studies has led them to believe that leaks in this barrier may be linked to memory problems often associated with aging.
The blood-brain barrier is crucial for brain health because it acts as a protective shield, preventing harmful substances in the blood from entering the brain. The brain is extremely sensitive and cannot tolerate exposure to many of the chemicals and toxins found in the bloodstream.
However, the blood-brain barrier is not just a passive barrier; it also actively regulates what enters the brain, allowing in essential nutrients and signaling molecules while pumping out toxins and waste.
As we age, the blood-brain barrier can start to malfunction, leading to various health issues. The researchers found that even in healthy older adults, there is often a small leak in this barrier.
While this leakage is associated with some memory lapses that many consider a normal part of aging, it raises concerns about how these minor changes might contribute to more severe memory problems down the line.
The study also highlights the increased risks for individuals who carry the ApoE4 allele, a genetic variant known to be the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
People with this allele are more likely to experience accelerated aging-related changes in their blood-brain barrier.
Specifically, they have difficulty clearing amyloid beta-peptide from their brains, a protein that accumulates and forms plaques, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
As the blood-brain barrier becomes less effective with age, even in healthy individuals, the clearance of amyloid beta-peptide slows down, which is even more pronounced in those with Alzheimer’s.
Another significant finding from the review involves two types of cells within the blood-brain barrier: pericytes and astrocytes. As people age, these cells begin to change.
Pericytes, which help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, tend to decrease in number, particularly in individuals with Alzheimer’s.
This loss may contribute to the increased leakiness of the barrier. On the other hand, astrocytes, which support brain function, appear to become overactive as we age.
Interestingly, some studies suggest that maintaining the health of pericytes can be achieved through lifestyle choices known to extend lifespan, such as regular exercise, calorie restriction, and possibly the use of rapamycin, a drug that has shown potential in promoting longevity.
If you’re concerned about brain health, it’s also worth exploring studies on how certain heartburn medications might increase the risk of dementia and whether specific supplements can help prevent cognitive decline.
Additionally, research into foods that improve cognitive function in older adults and the impact of common oils on brain gene expression can provide further insights into maintaining brain health.
This comprehensive review, published in Nature Aging and led by William Banks, emphasizes the importance of protecting and maintaining the blood-brain barrier as we age.
It’s a reminder that brain health is closely linked to the body’s overall health and that taking steps to preserve the integrity of this critical barrier can have far-reaching benefits for mental sharpness and cognitive function throughout life.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and strawberries can be good defence against Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
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