Researchers from Brazil have identified a molecule called hevin that appears to reverse brain aging and may cancel out the effects of Alzheimer’s disease in animal models. Hevin is secreted by astrocytes, star-shaped cells that help maintain connections between neurons.
As we age, these connections tend to weaken, contributing to memory loss and slower thinking. However, when researchers increased hevin production in older mice with signs of Alzheimer’s, their cognitive abilities improved. The mice performed better on memory tasks, and their brain activity indicated healthier synaptic function.
Surprisingly, boosting hevin did not affect the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques, which are commonly linked to Alzheimer’s. This new research suggests that there may be other ways to target cognitive decline without focusing solely on removing plaques.
The study highlights the role of astrocytes in supporting brain health and challenges traditional views on neuroscience. While the findings are still early, they offer hope for future treatments and a deeper understanding of how the brain changes with age. Scientists believe that medications mimicking hevin’s effects could eventually help people maintain or regain cognitive function later in life.
Source: https://bgr.com/science/researchers-found-a-molecule-that-reverses-brain-aging