Trending Now - Nasal Spray Shows Promise in Reversing Brain Aging Effects

WHO:

Texas A&M - Researchers from Texas A&M University, including Dr. Ashok Shetty, university distinguished professor and associate director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Madhu Leelavathi Narayana, and Dr. Maheedhar Kodali.

WHAT:

Neuroscience News - The nasal spray therapy could potentially help stroke survivors rebuild lost brain function or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Phys.org - The societal impact of the research indicates that new dementia cases in the United States are projected to double over the next four decades, from about 514,000 in 2020 to about 1 million in 2060.

Texas A&M - A non-invasive nasal spray was developed that uses microscopic “delivery parcels” to travel directly into the brain.

Texas A&M - The therapy dramatically reduced chronic inflammation, recharged cellular mitochondria, and restored memory and cognitive sharpness in aging models after just two doses.

Texas A&M - Significant cognitive improvements were observed within weeks and persisted for months after only two doses.

Texas A&M - The therapy proved equally effective in both males and females.

Texas A&M - Treated models showed a restored ability to recognize familiar objects and adapt to changes in their environment.

Texas A&M - A U.S. patent for the therapy has been filed, indicating a move toward clinical application.

WHERE:

Texas A&M - The research was conducted at Texas A&M University.

WHEN:

Texas A&M - The findings were published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles.

Texas A&M - The study involved late middle-aged (18-month-old) male and female C57BL6/J mice, with treatment effects observed at 20.5 months of age.

WHY:

Texas A&M - The research aims to address neuroinflammaging, which contributes to age-related cognitive decline and increases the risk of disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

Texas A&M - The goal is to help people stay mentally sharp, socially engaged, and free from age-related decline.

HOW:

Texas A&M - The therapy uses extracellular vesicles to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver therapeutic microRNAs directly into brain tissue, which is a significant aspect of the delivery method.

Texas A&M - The nasal spray uses extracellular vesicles to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver therapeutic microRNAs directly into brain tissue.

Texas A&M - The treatment reduces oxidative stress and reactivates the brain’s mitochondria, improving the brain's ability to process and store information.

Texas A&M - Behavioral tests confirmed improvements in recognizing familiar objects and adapting to new environments in treated models.

(UPDATED April 15, 2026 17:23 UTC)

A new nasal spray therapy has been developed that could help stroke survivors rebuild lost brain function or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates that the number of new dementia cases in the United States is projected to double over the next four decades, rising from about 514,000 in 2020 to around 1 million by 2060. This innovative therapy utilizes extracellular vesicles to bypass the blood-brain barrier, delivering therapeutic microRNAs directly into brain tissue, marking a significant advancement in treatment methods.

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(UPDATED April 15, 2026 09:23 UTC)

Researchers at Texas A&M University, including Dr. Ashok Shetty and his team, have developed a groundbreaking non-invasive nasal spray that delivers microscopic “delivery parcels” directly into the brain, significantly reducing chronic inflammation and restoring cognitive functions in aging models after just two doses. The therapy has shown remarkable results, with treated models demonstrating improved memory and the ability to recognize familiar objects, and these cognitive enhancements persisted for months. A U.S. patent has been filed for this innovative treatment, which aims to combat age-related cognitive decline and help individuals maintain mental sharpness and social engagement.