THE odd midlife memory lapse is a very normal part of the ageing process.
A new US study has found there’s one distinct peak when cognitive decline is more evident in all of us.
That age, based on brain scans and tests covering 19,300 individuals, is on average around 44 years, according to scientists from Stony Brook University.
It’s at this age degeneration starts to be noticeable, before hitting its most rapid rate at age 67.
By the time we reach 90, the speed of brain ageing levels off.
“Understanding exactly when and how brain ageing accelerates gives us strategic time points for intervention,” neuroscientist Lilianne Mujica-Parodi, said.
“We’ve identified a critical mid-life window where the brain begins to experience declining access to energy but before irreversible damage occurs, essentially the ‘bend’ before the ‘break’.”
Brain ageing may be linked to neuronal insulin resistance, according to new research in PNAS.
As we get older, insulin becomes less effective at helping brain cells absorb glucose.
This then breaks down brain signalling.
A genetic analysis carried out by the researchers noted activity related to the glucose-absorbing protein GLUT4 and the fat-transporting protein APOE – which has strong links to Alzheimer’s -matched signs of brain wear and tear.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6210509577001″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]This also suggested replacing or repairing energy sources for neurons could help slow down brain ageing.
“During mid-life, neurons are metabolically stressed due to insufficient fuel; they’re struggling, but they’re still viable,” added Mujica-Parodi.
“Therefore, providing an alternative fuel during this critical window can help restore function.
“However, by later ages, neurons’ prolonged starvation may have triggered a cascade of other physiological effects that make intervention less effective.”
The researchers tested this theory with 101 individuals by giving them ketone supplements, which appear to boost insulin sensitivity in brain cells and suppress metabolic damage.
After the ketone supplements were taken, brain degradation stabilised, with the biggest benefits demonstrated in those that were middle-aged (40 to 59).
So this type of treatment could work, although timing is crucial.
“This represents a paradigm shift in how we think about brain ageing prevention,” concluded neuroscientist Botond Antal, from Stony Brook University.
“Rather than waiting for cognitive symptoms, which may not appear until substantial damage has occurred, we can potentially identify people at risk through neurometabolic markers and intervene during this critical window.”
Experts say what’s good for your heart is good for your brain.
To protect your brain health, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying socially connected, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities that challenge your brain with new learning experiences.
And avoid the six things below…