In this episode of Longevity Roadmap, Dr. Buck Joffrey interviews Dr. Julie Andersen, a senior scientist at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Dr. Andersen shares how the brain’s unique structure and function make it especially vulnerable to aging. The discussion explores the molecular mechanisms behind neurodegeneration and the cutting-edge strategies being developed to protect brain health.

Key Points:

The brain ages faster than other organs due to its energy demands, limited repair capacity, and mitochondrial stress. Dr. Julie Andersen explores how targeting aging at the cellular level may help delay neurodegenerative disease.

• Why the Brain Ages Faster: Neurons don’t regenerate like other cells, and the brain’s high energy demands lead to oxidative stress, making it more susceptible to age-related damage.
• Mitochondrial Decline as a Key Driver: Mitochondria power brain cells but also produce damaging byproducts over time. Aging reduces the brain’s ability to clear or repair these malfunctioning mitochondria.
• Blood-Brain Barrier Challenges: Therapies targeting brain aging must overcome the blood-brain barrier. Innovative strategies like nanoparticles, engineered immune cells, and focused ultrasound are being explored.
• Promising Therapeutics: Dr. Andersen’s lab studies compounds like rapamycin and lysosomal rejuvenators that enhance mitochondrial health. Some have shown promising results in Parkinson’s models.
• Early Intervention & Geroscience: Age-related brain diseases share common mechanisms like inflammation and protein aggregation. Identifying early biomarkers and treating aging itself may prevent disease before symptoms arise.