How missing out on these basic chemicals leads to rapid brain ageing

Like the other organs in our body, the brain, too, changes as we age. Along with age, the mental function of the brain also changes. While mental decline along with age is common, it's one of the scariest consequences of aging.

However, cognitive impairment is not inevitable.


One can retain their cognitive abilities despite their old age with the help of a proper diet, regular workout, and practicing brainteasers - some elements do help prevent the ageing of the brain. Naturally, missing out on those basic chemicals will lead to the opposite, which is rapid brain ageing.


What are those basic chemicals?



While no single chemical definitively prevents rapid brain aging, several compounds and strategies have shown promise in slowing down or mitigating age-related cognitive decline. These include antioxidants like vitamin E, green tea catechins, and flavonoids, as well as nutrients like phosphatidylserine and NAD+ precursors. Additionally, some research suggests that certain metabolic interventions, like those targeting acetyl-CoA levels, may also help.


Antioxidants:

Oxidative stress is a major factor in brain aging, and antioxidants like vitamin E and green tea catechins (like EGCG) can help combat it. A 2021 study from MDPI suggests that the stress-reducing effect of green tea contributes to mental health maintenance and brain aging control. A review article on the National Institutes of Health website notes that Vitamin E has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models, but human clinical trials haven't been as conclusive.

Phospholipids:

Phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid found in brain cell membranes, is involved in neurotransmitter release and may support cognitive function. A study on ScienceDirect.com found that a phospholipid-rich diet prevented memory decline in aging mice.

NAD+:

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme vital for cellular energy metabolism, and its levels decline with age. A study on the National Institutes of Health website suggests that supplementing with NAD+ precursors may improve synaptic plasticity and neuronal morphology in Alzheimer's disease mouse models.


Flavonoids:

These compounds, found in plant-based foods like pomegranate juice, have shown promising neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects in animal studies. A review article on the National Institutes of Health website cites studies where fisetin supplementation reduced cognitive deficits and restored impaired synaptic function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Acetyl-CoA:

Elevated levels of acetyl-CoA have been linked to reduced brain aging in animal models. An eLife article reports that elevating acetyl-CoA levels reduces aspects of brain aging.

Spermidine:

This polyamine has been shown to induce autophagy, a process that clears out damaged cellular components, and has been linked to delayed age-related cognitive decline.

Fisetin:

This flavonoid has shown protective effects against cognitive decline in rapidly aging mice, offering evidence for its potential in treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Citrulline:

Studies suggest that citrulline supplementation can help mitigate impairment of synaptic plasticity in the aging brain, potentially reducing cognitive decline.


Rapamycin, a drug that suppresses senescence in animal models of accelerated aging, has also been shown to improve myelination, neuronal structure, and brain metabolism in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. A study on the National Institutes of Health website also notes that rapamycin enhances vasculature in these models.


Other potential nutrients:

Other nutrients, such as vitamin E, and selenium, have also been linked to brain health and may offer some protection against age-related cognitive decline, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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