As the brain ages, cells in the central nervous system experience metabolic dysfunction and increased oxidative damage. These cellular issues impair the ability to maintain the myelin sheath (the protective covering around nerve fibers), which leads to age-related white matter degradation. Microglia are the brain's primary immune cells, and their activation is a normal response to injury or infection. In conditions like aging or Alzheimer's, microglia can become chronically activated, leading to a harmful inflammatory state that damages neurons, but the exact reasons are not fully understood.

A new study from researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has found that consuming 30% fewer calories than usual for more than 20 years, can slow down signs of aging in the brain. The study was done using an experimental model closely related to humans.

The drug, ziftomenib. will benefit patients with recurring or treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia who have no other options.