Imagine if we could slow down the aging of our brains. Researchers at Zhejiang University in China are making strides in that direction, using artificial intelligence to discover genetic connections linked to brain aging. This breakthrough could open doors to slowing cognitive decline, something many of us worry about as we get older.
The team analyzed brain scans from nearly 39,000 people, identifying seven key genes tied to brain aging. Some of these genes are already being targeted in ongoing efforts to combat age-related cognitive decline. This study also points to the exciting possibility of repurposing existing drugs to tackle brain aging. By examining clinical trial data, the researchers found 28 drugs that target these genes. Some, like the commonly used hydrocortisone, are already approved for other uses, offering a promising shortcut to developing treatments for cognitive health.
We often think of age in terms of how many birthdays we’ve celebrated, but that doesn’t always reflect the health of our brains. Scientists use different aging clocks to estimate biological age, with the Horvath Clock and GrimAge being popular examples. While there’s some debate on the best method, the difference between our chronological age and brain age—known as the brain age gap—is a recognized indicator of brain health.
The study made use of the extensive UK Biobank, analyzing MRI scans from participants aged 45 to 83, to create an average picture of an aging brain. Seven advanced AI models were tested, and the 3D-ViT model stood out in identifying structural differences linked to the brain age gap.
Further analysis highlighted two brain regions crucial for estimating this gap: the lentiform nucleus and a neural highway connecting deeper brain areas to the cortex. A larger brain age gap was linked to Alzheimer’s disease, although lifestyle factors like smoking showed minimal impact in this study.
Genetic factors play a role in brain aging, and pinpointing relevant genes can lead to new therapeutic targets. The team conducted a comprehensive genome-wide scan using UK Biobank data, uncovering several genes already known and some new ones involved in the brain age gap. These findings suggest that many of these genes could be influenced by existing medications.
By exploring an open-source database, the research team identified 466 drugs in clinical development or already approved that interact with these genes. Some, like hydrocortisone and resveratrol, are noted for their benefits beyond cognitive decline. Twenty-eight drugs, including hormones like estradiol and testosterone, were highlighted for their potential in mitigating brain aging.
This study builds on earlier efforts to connect genes and brain aging, following a 2019 study that linked genetic markers to neurological disorders accelerating brain aging. The current research extends those connections to potential drug therapies, aiming to enhance cognitive health and extend the health span.
