A research paper appearing in the January 20 issue of the high impact Nature scientific journal exposes a mechanism by which the cognitive decline associated with aging is probably caused. If this research is confirmed it points the way to not just the halting, but even the reversal, of cognitive decline with aging.
Inflammation, which is a defense mechanism our bodies have to fight off infections, turns from the good Dr. Jekyll into the evil Mr. Hyde of Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous story. As we age, this mechanism turns against us, with chronic inflammation attacking our brain and other parts of our body rather than targeting invaders from outside. The result is the cognitive decline along with the physical decline that seems inevitable as we get older. We take longer to remember a name, place, or fact.
You have seen this happen. You’ve noticed it in your grandparents, perhaps in your parents, and perhaps even in yourself. Based on common experience, this mental decline seems inevitable, without even considering more severe manifestations, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. There may be multiple causes that contribute to this pathology, but one in particular has recently been described in a paper by researchers at Stanford University titled, “Restoring metabolism of myeloid cells reverses cognitive decline in ageing.”
Whoa!! Did I read that right? Reverses cognitive decline in ageing. Is it possible that we can not only prevent the loss of our marbles, but even get those marbles back after we have lost them? Maybe.
The experiment described in the paper, is about mice, not humans. Mice are a model organism that is used for research. Because of their short lifespans, we can draw conclusions about whether a therapy is effective relatively soon after an experiment with mice is started. What the Stanford researchers have found is that in aged mice, inhibition of a signal called myeloid EP2 rescues cognitive abilities that the mice had lost due to age. Their mental abilities had returned to that of young mice.
Clearly, more research must be done. Studies must also be extended to humans. We must not get carried away here. However, this is the first credible evidence that I have seen that indicates that it is possible that cognitive ability that has been lost due to aging can be regained. I will be following continuing work by this group as well as others, very closely. This could change the way we think about old age. It could also garner more respect for society’s elders. Indigenous people have traditionally held elders in high esteem. Maybe it will be easier for the rest of us to do that too, if the elders are able to retain the wisdom they have accumulated over a long life, and to pass it on to the rest of us.
BIO:
Allen G. Taylor is a 40-year veteran of the computer industry and the author of over 40 books, including Develop Microsoft HoloLens Apps Now, Get Fit with Apple Watch, Cruise for Free, SQL For Dummies, 9th Edition, Crystal Reports 2008 For Dummies, Database Development For Dummies, Access Power Programming with VBA, and SQL All-In-One For Dummies, Third Edition. He lectures internationally on astronomy, databases, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He also teaches database development and Crystal Reports through a leading online education provider. For the latest news on Allen’s activities, check out his blog at wwwallengtaylor.com or contact him at allen.taylor@ieee.org.
Yes and no. It’s complicated.