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Microglia and modifiable life factors: Potential contributions to cognitive resilience in aging
Michael R Duggan1, Vinay Parikh1
1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, United States.
Abstract:
Given the increasing prevalence of age-related cognitive decline, it is relevant to consider the factors and mechanisms that might facilitate an individual's resiliency to such deficits. Growing evidence suggests a preeminent role of microglia, the prime mediator of innate immunity within the central nervous system. Human and animal investigations suggest aberrant microglial functioning and neuroinflammation are not only characteristic of the aged brain, but also might contribute to age-related dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Conversely, accumulating data suggest that modifiable lifestyle factors (MLFs), such as healthy diet, exercise and cognitive engagement, can reliably afford cognitive benefits by potentially suppressing inflammation in the aging brain. The present review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the role for microglia in maintaining brain homeostasis and cognitive functioning in aging. Moreover, we propose an integrated, mechanistic model that postulates an individual's resiliency to cognitive decline afforded by MLFs might be mediated by the mitigation of aberrant microglia activation in aging, and subsequent suppression of neuroinflammation.
Insights
Modifiable lifestyle factors (MLFs) may enhance brain resilience against cognitive decline by mitigating aberrant microglia activation and reducing neuroinflammation in aging. This supports brain health and may prevent dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Microglia, the central nervous system's immune cells, play a critical role in brain aging.
- Aberrant microglial function and neuroinflammation are linked to age-related cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease.
- Modifiable lifestyle factors (MLFs) show promise in conferring cognitive benefits during aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microglia in maintaining brain homeostasis and cognitive function during aging.
- To propose a mechanistic model where MLFs promote cognitive resilience by modulating microglial activity.
- To understand how lifestyle choices impact neuroinflammation and cognitive aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of human and animal studies on microglia, neuroinflammation, and aging.
- Analysis of research on the impact of MLFs (diet, exercise, cognitive engagement) on brain health.
- Development of an integrated mechanistic model linking MLFs, microglia, and cognitive resilience.
Main Results:
- Microglia are central to innate immunity and brain homeostasis in aging.
- Neuroinflammation driven by aberrant microglia is a key feature of the aging brain.
- MLFs, including diet and exercise, can suppress inflammation and support cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- MLFs may enhance resilience to age-related cognitive decline.
- This resilience is potentially mediated by the mitigation of aberrant microglial activation.
- Targeting microglial function through lifestyle interventions could be a strategy to combat cognitive aging and dementia.
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