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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology
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Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology

Published on: March 23, 2011

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Dangerous leaks: blood-brain barrier woes in the aging hippocampus

Costantino Iadecola1

  • 1Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA.

Neuron
|January 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

A leaky blood-brain barrier is linked to cognitive decline in aging and neurodegeneration. This study provides the first in vivo human evidence of blood-brain barrier breakdown in the aging hippocampus and mild cognitive impairment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Aging Research
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background:

  • The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for brain health.
  • BBB dysfunction is suspected in cognitive decline but lacked direct human evidence.
  • Aging and neurodegeneration are associated with impaired brain function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide the first in vivo human evidence of blood-brain barrier disruption.
  • To investigate BBB integrity in the aging hippocampus.
  • To examine BBB status in individuals with minimal cognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized advanced imaging techniques for in vivo assessment.
  • Focused on the hippocampus, a key area for memory and cognition.
  • Compared BBB integrity in aging individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated clear evidence of blood-brain barrier disruption in vivo.
  • Confirmed BBB breakdown specifically in the aging hippocampus.
  • Observed BBB disruption in subjects experiencing minimal cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

  • The findings provide the first direct human evidence linking BBB disruption to cognitive issues.
  • Blood-brain barrier leakage is a significant factor in hippocampal aging and cognitive impairment.
  • This research opens new avenues for understanding and potentially treating age-related cognitive decline.

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