Cutting-edge technology has allowed scientists to examine young and old brains with single-cell resolution, gaining insights into how we can rejuvenate our brain cells to stay sharp. 


Stanford University scientist and corresponding author on the new study, Dr. Anne Brunet (image: labxchange.org). 

Brain &amp; Neurons

Model: Primary hippocampal neurons from non-transgenic C57BL/6 (nTg) and triple-transgenic 3xTg-AD mice; age groups: young (2–6 mo), middle (8–11 mo), and old (17–28 mo).
Dosage: Nicotinamide 2 mM + EGCG 2 µM applied to cultured neurons for 16 h (in vitro).

Study shows that brief nicotinamide + EGCG treatment restores neuronal energy in 16–24 hours, restores autophagy, reduces amyloid-beta buildup, and boosts neuron survival by ~22% in aging/Alzheimer’s lab models.

Three types of beer, including IPA and stout, are shown to improve indicators of metabolic health in a mouse model for aging. 

Metabolism

Model: C57BL/6J mice, J20 mice, and 3xTg mice 
Dosage: 4.3 μEq l−1 of lithium in drinking water starting at 10 to 12 months of age and continued for 10 to 14 months during aging

Harvard Study: A Low Dose of Lithium May Preserve Cognitive Resilience with Age

Researchers uncover significantly lower brain lithium levels in Alzheimer’s disease patients, and supplementing with a low-dose lithium salt restores memory in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model.

(The study’s principal investigator, Bruce Yankner [center], with four laboratory employees | The Boston Globe)

A Harvard study suggests lower levels of lithium in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and that lithium supplementation may help preserve cognitive resilience.

Participants: Healthy older adults 
Dosage: 1 mg/day of rapamycin for 8 weeks

Older adults taking low-dose rapamycin exhibit a reduction in senescent cells — cells that contribute to age-related diseases and a shorter lifespan. 

Associate professor at Oxford University and corresponding author on the study, Lynne S Cox, MA, PhD (image: researchgate.com).

Search Result: ALS

How to Take Care of Your Aging Brain Cells: Stanford Study Insights

Nicotinamide + Ergothioneine Reboot Autophagy and Ease Hallmarks of Brain Aging

Low-Volume Beer Counters Age-Related Metabolic Decline, New Study Shows

Harvard Study: A Low Dose of Lithium May Preserve Cognitive Resilience with Age

New Oxford Study: Powerful Longevity Drug Rapamycin Targets Cell Senescence