Scientists in the United States have released a study that shows stem cell brain implants could slow the ageing process and help people live longer. This breakthrough study could help millions of people live longer lives and may help to treat cognitive decline in older people.
The researchers found that the stem cell brain implants created fresh neurones and slowed the ageing process. The procedure was initially tested on older mice. The mice that received the treatment remained physically and mentally fit as they aged. The treatment extended their lifespan by between 10 to 15%.
The findings suggest that the ageing process is largely controlled by stem cells located in the hypothalamus region of the brain. These cells continually die off until there are none present when a person reaches middle age.
The researchers hope to begin clinical trials involving stem cell brain implants in the coming year. Before they can begin, they must produce enough human neural stem cells that can be implanted into volunteers.
Researchers have know that the hypothalamus plays a role in the ageing process for many years. It is a small section of the brain that is about the size of an almond.
They first noticed that stem cells in the hypothalamus disappeared as a person ages. They soon discovered that the hypothalamus plays an important role in maintaining a link between the body’s nervous and hormonal systems.
To determine if stem cells in the hypothalamus really did change the ageing process, they injected mice with a toxin that killed neural stem cells. They found the mice began ageing at a rapid rate and lost cognitive function.
This research finding could someday lead to humans living 20 or 30 years longer and maintaining their cognitive capacity well into old age!
Source: Stem cell brain implants could ‘slow ageing and extend life’, study shows
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