Scientists Explain Underlying Cause of Unhealthy Brain Aging

0
1633

A new study proposes that calcium-intake increases recommended for the elderly to combat osteoporosis may be heavily linked to accelerated aging of the brain and loss of cognitive ability. A research team from the University of Kentucky Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences reports in the Journal of Neuroscience that they have identified a molecular mechanism which shows how cells begin to interanally age faster when exposed to elevated levels of calcium, similar to the dosages prescribed to those heavily at risk of bone loss. “We showed FKBP1b is a master regulator of calcium in brain cells, and when we restore it, it restores the regulation of calcium and dramatically improves learning in the aged animals,” explained the study’s lead author. “In all my years of doing research, I’ve never seen a compound this effective; it’s rare that tests of a hypothesis satisfy each of the criteria that have to be met.” To learn more about this study, click here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
o