Many older adults worry about memory loss and changes in thinking as they get older.
Most of the time, these changes are small and normal—like forgetting someone’s name or where you left your keys.
But when memory problems start to affect daily life—such as getting lost, forgetting how to use a phone, or not remembering how to drive—they may be a sign of something more serious.
A new study from the University of Washington looked at over 150 scientific papers to understand what helps keep the brain healthy as we age. The researchers found that one of the most important things is keeping the blood-brain barrier strong and working well.
The blood-brain barrier is a special network of blood vessels in the brain. It acts like a filter that protects the brain by letting in helpful substances like nutrients, while keeping out harmful ones. It also helps clear waste and toxins from the brain.
As we age, this barrier can start to leak. In healthy aging, the leaks are very small and usually linked to mild forgetfulness—something scientists consider a normal part of aging. These mild memory changes don’t usually interfere with daily life.
However, in people who carry a certain gene called ApoE4—known to raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease—the leaks can become much worse. This gene also makes it harder for the brain to clean up a sticky substance called amyloid beta-peptide. When this substance builds up, it can form plaques in the brain, which are a key feature of Alzheimer’s.
The study also found that two types of brain cells change as we age: pericytes and astrocytes. Pericytes help the blood-brain barrier stay strong. If these cells are damaged or lost, the barrier becomes weaker and leakier.
Astrocytes, on the other hand, can become too active in older people and cause inflammation in the brain, which is also linked to memory problems.
One major message from the study is that protecting pericytes may help keep the blood-brain barrier healthy and reduce memory loss. Some research suggests that regular exercise, eating fewer calories, and possibly certain drugs like rapamycin might help protect these important cells and support brain health.
The researchers also pointed out that problems with the blood-brain barrier don’t just affect memory. They can also play a role in other serious diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.
This review, published in the journal Nature Aging and led by Dr. William Banks, gives us a better understanding of how aging affects the brain. It also gives hope. By taking steps to protect the blood-brain barrier—especially through healthy habits—we may be able to keep our brains stronger and healthier as we grow older.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about inflammation that may actually slow down cognitive decline in older people, and low vitamin D may speed up cognitive decline.
For more health information, please see recent studies about common exercises that could protect against cognitive decline, and results showing this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
