Reverse Brain Aging With A Nasal Spray?

A research team at Texas A&M University has developed a nasal spray that’s been called groundbreaking, but it’s not for the nose, but for reversing brain aging.

The experimental therapy developed by scientists at the university addresses “neuroinflammaging,” which is chronic inflammation in the aging brain. Neuroinflammaging also contributes to a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders linked to aging, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Texas A&M University investigators reported that the nasal spray provided benefits within weeks and lasted for months. The study, which used mice, has not yet been tested or approved for use in humans.

“Brain age-related diseases like dementia are a major health concern worldwide,” Dr. Ashok K. Shetty, the study’s author, said in a Texas A&M University news story. “What we’re showing is brain ageing can be reversed, to help people stay mentally sharp, socially engaged and free from age-related decline.”

What Is in the Nasal Spray?

The spray contains extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny, naturally occurring particles released by cells. The news story explained that EVs function as delivery vehicles that carry potent genetic cargo called microRNAs.

“MicroRNAs act like master regulators,” senior research scientist Dr. Madhu Leelavathi Narayana, said in the news story. “They help modulate and regulate many gene and signaling pathways in the brain.”

Once absorbed into the brain’s resident immune cells, the microRNAs suppress systems known to drive chronic inflammation in aging brains, according to the study.

The researchers said they decided to use a nasal spray because the tiny EVs and other substances delivered through the nose can bypass the brain’s blood-brain barrier, where they are absorbed.

“The mode of delivery is one of the most exciting aspects of our approach,” Dr. Maheedhar Kodali, a senior research scientist on the team, said in the news story. “Intranasal delivery allows us to reach and treat the brain directly without invasive procedures.”

Results of the Nasal Spray Study

According to the research team, just two doses of the nasal spray in older mice:

• Restored neuronal mitochondria, which generate the energy required for brain function

• Reduced oxidative stress

• Improved memory

• Helped the mice recognize familiar objects, detect new objects, and changes in their environment.

“We are seeing the brain’s own repair systems switch on, healing inflammation and restoring itself,” said Dr. Shetty, who is also a distinguished professor and associate director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

By recharging the mitochondria at a cellular level, the therapy didn’t just clear brain fog; it physically improved the brain’s ability to process and store information, according to the study.

“We are giving neurons their spark back by reducing oxidative stress and reactivating the brain’s mitochondria,” Dr. Narayana said.

What’s more, the results were consistent and equally effective across both genders, which the team described as a “rare outcome” in biomedical research.

The Nasal Spray Could Help Other Conditions

In addition to helping with age-related cognitive decline and dementia, the Texas A&M University research team believes the nasal spray could even help stroke survivors rebuild lost brain function, or slow—even reverse—the effects of cognitive aging in humans.

“Our approach redefines what it means to grow old,” Dr. Shetty said in the news story. “We’re aiming for successful brain aging: keeping people engaged, alert and connected. Not just living longer, but living smarter and healthier.”

While this sounds promising, the scientists say that more research and human clinical trials are necessary. Still, the investigators are hopeful about the spray’s potential to change lives.

“As we develop and scale this therapy, a simple, two-dose nasal spray could one day replace invasive, risky procedures or maybe even months of medication,” Dr. Shetty said in the news story.

Source Links:
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/nasal-spray-reverse-brain-ageing_uk_69df6dcce4b05c8319cdc49e
https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2026/04/14/scientists-reverse-brain-aging-with-a-nasal-spray/