Scientists make incredible discovery on how the brain ages with three specific ‘peaks’ during life




Scientists have discovered that the human brain experiences three distinct “ageing peaks” at 57, 70, and 78, with significant changes in specific proteins linked to brain health.The incredible research, conducted by experts at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in China, identified 13 key proteins that show notable spikes at these ages.These findings could prove vital for timing medical interventions to maintain brain health and potentially prevent age-related conditions, such as dementia.In the study, the research team analysed nearly 5,000 British participants aged between 45 and 82 years old.A comprehensive study examined the concentration of approximately 3,000 proteins in blood plasma samples (Stock)GETTYThe comprehensive study examined the concentration of approximately 3,000 proteins in blood plasma samples from these individuals.Through detailed analysis, the scientists later identified 13 specific proteins that showed strong connections to brain ageing.These proteins demonstrated clear patterns, forming distinct peaks at three specific ages throughout later life.Among the identified proteins, Brevican (BCAN) emerged as particularly significant, as researchers noted its association with dementia, stroke and movement-related issues.LATEST NEWS: Another key protein, GDF15, was highlighted for its connection to age-related diseases.The researchers suggest that these protein peaks may reflect important changes in human brain health at these specific ages.These findings could help identify crucial intervention points for preventing or delaying the onset of age-related brain disorders.Scientists have issued a warning that the number of people aged 65 years and above will exceed 1.5 billion worldwide by 2050.The identification of these specific age-related peaks could prove instrumental in developing targeted interventions for an increasingly ageing global population GETTYThe identification of these specific age-related peaks could form the basis of developing targeted interventions for the increasingly ageing global population.The study’s authors emphasised the significance of their findings, saying: “We found that the late fifth decade is a potential onset timepoint for brain ageing.””In addition, our study suggested that the seventh and late seventh decades are also essential time points in brain ageing,” the researchers noted.They added that these discoveries could have “substantial implications for the future development of biomarkers for brain aging, as well as personalised therapeutic targets for subsequent age-related brain disorders”.