Brain Aging and the Influence of Genes: New Research Reveals Brain aging is a long-term process that is linked to the activity of certain genes. Recent research has identified seven genes that are responsible for accelerating brain aging. However, certain medications and nutritional supplements may help reduce their effects.
Gene activity and brain age gap The difference between our brain age and our physical age depends on the activity of various genes. Some genes accelerate the biological age of the brain, which initiates a process known as the “brain age gap.” This gap can cause some people’s brains to age more quickly, which affects their mental abilities.
Research and analysis of data from 39,000 people Zhengxing Huang, a researcher at Zhejiang University in China, and his colleagues used a deep learning model to analyze data from nearly 39,000 people. The data was collected from the UK Biobank, where the average age of the participants was 64 years. The researchers used this data to analyze the relationship between brain age and physical age.
According to research findings on brain aging and its effects , signs of rapid brain aging are particularly evident in certain brain regions, such as the lentiform nucleus, which is associated with attention and memory. The aging of this region leads to a decline in human abilities related to thought and language.
Seven Important Genes and Their Effects The study specifically identified seven genes that help accelerate brain aging. These genes include: SUSPECT, TNFSF12, GZMBNA, SIRPB1, Rich, NMB, and C1RL . The activity of these genes increases the age gap in the brain, which leads to long-term cognitive degradation.
Drugs and nutritional supplements that may help slow brain aging Researchers have identified 13 drugs and nutritional supplements that may help slow brain aging. These include:
- Cholecalciferol (vitamin D)
- Diclofenac (NSAID)
- Domonexant (omega-3 fatty acids)
- Estradiol (estrogen hormone)
- Hydrocortisone (eczema treatment)
- Mecamylamine (lowers blood pressure)
Other medications include: nicotine, quercetin, resveratrol, sirolimus, and testosterone . Although there are potential risks associated with their use, caution is needed before using them.
Challenges and future research raised by the study The researchers say that the effects of these genes may only apply to certain people, and that environmental factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, may further influence brain aging. In addition, the results of this study may vary between different populations, so more research is needed in other regions such as Africa, South America and East Asia.
Conclusion The genes that underlie brain aging and its effects are the subject of extensive research. Although some nutritional supplements and medications may help reduce these effects, proper medical advice should be sought before using them. In addition, future studies will examine these effects in more depth.
