Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, is gaining attention for its potential anti-aging properties. This podcast explores its effects on cognitive function, longevity, and the immune system while addressing the risks and challenges associated with its use.

Key Points:

This episode delves into the promise of rapamycin for addressing aging and cognitive decline, presenting a balanced view of its exciting potential and significant challenges. While its future applications remain uncertain, exploring alternative mTOR suppression strategies offers a practical and safer route forward.

• Rapamycin and Alzheimer's Disease: Autopsy studies reveal heightened mTOR activation in Alzheimer's brains compared to age-matched non-Alzheimer's brains. Research in mice shows rapamycin may significantly improve cognitive function and memory, suggesting potential for Alzheimer's treatment.
• mTOR and Aging: Aging, the primary risk factor for Alzheimer's, doubles dementia risk every five years past 65. Rapamycin’s ability to inhibit mTOR positions it as a candidate for addressing age-related conditions.
• Challenges of Clinical Trials: Despite promising data, no large-scale clinical trials have tested rapamycin for Alzheimer’s or aging due to its off-patent status and lack of profitability. Serious side effects, including immunosuppression, further complicate its study for widespread use.
• Safety Concerns: While mouse studies show extended longevity, real-world applicability is limited due to risks like infections in humans. Side effects, such as diarrhoea and life-threatening infections, highlight the need for cautious research.
• Immune Rejuvenation Potential: A 2018 study found that low-dose rapamycin in older adults enhanced their immune response, reducing infections for months post-treatment without significant immunosuppression.
• Alternative Pathways: Non-pharmacological methods to suppress mTOR could provide safer approaches to achieving similar benefits without the associated risks of rapamycin.