At what age is the aging of the brain accelerate? The latest scientific research answered this question.
As it turned out, this is a gradual process, but at a certain age it accelerates, and The human brain begins to age faster. IN published In the journal PNAS, scientists call this period a “critical window.” They offer a way to slow down age -related changes, Writes Iflscience.
American scientists analyzed the data functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRT) More than 19,000 people. Using this method, brain activity is visualized, so you can accurately determine the condition of the brain.
Scientists came to the conclusion that The aging of the brain, accompanied by the degradation of complex neural networks, is accelerated at about 44. The process continues to gain speed up to 67 years old. Then the brain continues to grow old, but slower – up to about 90 years.
Scientists analyzed what is happening in the brain at the molecular level during this rapid aging and came to the conclusion that the main factor in the acceleration of aging was the resistance of neurons to insulin. Lilianna Mukhika-Parodi, the leading author of the study, explains:
“We have determined a critical window of middle age, when the brain begins to feel a deterioration in access to energy. But before irreversible damage occurs -” bend “before the” hacking “.
Researchers discovered a protein that can protect against quick aging. It works for transportation Ketonov – organic substances formed during the breakdown of fats. Typically, the brain uses glucose as fuel, but in extreme cases it can also use ketones. Mukhika-Parodi says:
“In middle age, neurons are subjected to metabolic stress due to insufficient” fuel “-they are fighting, but still remain viable. Therefore, the provision of an alternative in this critical period can help restore their function.”
The team checked its theory for 101 people. Scientists gave them ketones and glucose, and carried out a FMRT scan. In people from 60 to 79 years old, ketons have little affected the brain, like people 20-39 years old. However A positive effect was observed in a middle -aged group, the so -called “critical window” – aged 40 to 59 years.
To finally verify this method of delayed brain aging, further research is needed, scientists note.
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