Year in review: Young blood aids old brains
Studies in mice offer hope for alleviating aging
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Ingredients in young blood can rejuvenate old mice’s bodies and brains. A group of papers published in 2014 detail how youthful plasma can improve some signs of deterioration (SN: 5/31/14, p. 8).
The findings evoke thoughts of eternally young and bloodthirsty vampires, but in reality, the results are pointing to new treatments that may stave off the ravages of aging. Already, scientists have begun a small clinical trial to study whether plasma from young donors can improve symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease.