Blocking A Brain Chemical May Reverse The Aging Of The Brain, Improving Hearing

Blocking A Brain Chemical May Reverse The Aging Of The Brain, Improving Hearing

Researchers Use Drugs Or Genetic Tools

One of the consequences of old age is gradual hearing loss, and the assumption was that, as the brain ages, its ability to distinguish sounds declines. However, researchers have discovered that the levels of the chemical adenosine, which is responsible for sensory processing, increase in older mice. They have found a way to decrease this level using drugs of genetic tools, thus, reversing an old brain. By blocking adenosine, the number of neurons that respond to sound increases. This process, called neuroplasticity, can be used to stroke or tinnitus patients. Additional information click here.