A cure for old age

Scientists are developing a universal remedy for age-related diseases

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

Now old age is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as cancer. In the fight against old age, scientists have identified a new subclass of anti-aging compounds and slowed down the aging process in mice.

Researchers from the Institute of Biological Research Salk (USA) has found a new subclass of geroprotectors that can be effective against dementia and general aging processes. They called the unique compounds geroneuroprotectors, according to the institute's website (Researchers report new methods to identify alzheimer's drug candidates that have anti-aging properties).

Initially, the team focused on two substances that have already demonstrated their medicinal properties – curcumin and physetine. From them, scientists synthesized three chemical compounds that could protect neurons from toxicity, which increases against the background of aging of the brain.

The experiments proved that three new compounds, as well as curcumin and physetin, slowed down the molecular markers of aging and dementia, and also increased life expectancy in mice and flies.

Now the team is in the process of approving new compounds with the American FDA regulator to test their effectiveness in clinical trials, that is, in humans. One of them, a curcumin derivative, will be tested on patients with Alzheimer's disease early next year.

However, scientists already recommend reviewing the diet for healthy elderly people, as well as patients with diagnosed diseases.

"We found that products containing curcumin and physetin are also geroneuroprotectors, so they are able to provide preventive and therapeutic benefits right now," says researcher Pamela Maher.

Another group of scientists from the University of Kentucky has published two scientific articles in which they explain how the diet affects the cognitive health of animals. Scientists believe that a low-calorie diet slows down brain aging.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru