AI Insight
A USC-led study has identified a potential link between abnormal immature astroglia (star-shaped brain support cells) and declining fluid intelligence in older adults with epilepsy. Researchers found that older epilepsy patients had higher numbers of these abnormal immature cells, and greater quantities correlated with reduced ability to solve new problems. Fluid intelligence naturally declines with age and is also impaired in conditions such as Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and multiple sclerosis.
Why it matters
This research could help explain mechanisms behind age-related cognitive decline and may lead to new therapeutic targets for preserving problem-solving abilities in aging populations and patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the role of immature astroglia could inform future interventions aimed at maintaining cognitive function in older adults.
Understand the Science
A new USC-led study links abnormal immature astroglia, star-shaped cells that support brain function, to lower fluid intelligence, or the ability to solve new problems, in older adults with epilepsy. Researchers from the USC Stem Cell lab of Michael Bonaguidi and their collaborators found that older epilepsy patients tended to have more abnormal immature astroglia in their brains, and that higher numbers of these cells were associated with poorer fluid intelligence. This ability to solve new problems declines with age and becomes impaired in Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and multiple sclerosis.
Source: Immature brain support cells may be linked to human age-related cognitive decline