Chronic neuroinflammation is often described as a motor running too hot for too long. In the aging brain, these small, persistent flickers of stress contribute to the cognitive erosion seen in conditions like Alzheimer’s. Now, researchers at Texas A&M University have demonstrated a method to cool these hotspots using a simple nasal spray, successfully restoring memory functions in older mice.
The treatment relies on extracellular vesicles (EVs)—microscopic biological bubbles harvested from human stem cells. These vesicles act as delivery vehicles for proteins and genetic instructions designed to dampen inflammation. By bypassing the blood-brain barrier via the nasal passage, the study suggests a future where complex neurological interventions could be replaced by a non-invasive mist.
The study focused on 18-month-old mice, a life stage roughly equivalent to humans in their late 50s or 60s. Those treated with the spray showed significantly lower levels of brain inflammation and improved memory retention compared to a control group. While human trials remain on the horizon, the researchers believe a two-dose nasal regimen could eventually offer a streamlined alternative to months of medication or riskier surgical procedures.
With reporting from Olhar Digital.
Source · Olhar Digital
