Over-the-hill cells may cause trouble in the aging brain
Killing senescent cells in the noggins of mice prevented memory loss
Cells past their prime may have a role in dementia. Culling these cells protected the brains of mice that were otherwise destined for brain decline, a new study finds.
Senescent cells, which accumulate with age, are still alive but in a state of suspended animation — they stop doing their jobs and they stop dividing. Getting rid of these cells in the body extends the life spans of mice and improves their heart and kidney health, scientists have found (SN: 3/5/16, p. 8). The new research, published online September 19 in Nature, suggests that senescent cells also make mischief in the aging brain.