Scientists reverse brain ageing with simple nasal spray

Scientists have developed a nasal spray capable of reducing brain inflammation, restoring cell function and improving cognition, raising hopes for a breakthrough in partially reversing brain ageing.

Researchers at the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine found evidence suggesting that age-related brain inflammation may, in fact, be reversible.

As people age, low-level inflammation gradually builds up in brain regions linked to memory and learning.

This persistent irritation, often referred to as “neuroinflammaging,” has been associated with brain fog, slower thinking and a higher risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. For years, scientists believed the process was inevitable.

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The study, led by Ashok Shetty alongside Madhu Leelavathi Narayana and Maheedhar Kodali, introduced a treatment that produced striking results after just two doses. The therapy reduced inflammation, restored cellular energy systems in the brain and improved memory.

“Our approach redefines what it means to grow old. We’re aiming for successful brain ageing: keeping people engaged, alert and connected  not just living longer, but living smarter and healthier,” Shetty said.

The treatment relies on tiny biological particles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs). These particles act as carriers for microRNAs, which help regulate genes and signalling pathways in the brain.

Administered through a nasal spray, the EVs bypass the brain’s protective barrier and travel directly into brain tissue.

Once inside, the microRNAs suppress inflammatory activity and improve the function of mitochondria — the structures responsible for supplying energy to brain cells. By restoring these systems, the treatment enhanced the brain’s ability to process and store information.

Subjects who received the treatment demonstrated better recognition of familiar objects and greater awareness of changes in their surroundings.

One of the study’s most remarkable findings was the speed of the response, with improvements appearing within weeks and continuing for months.

Published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, the research points to a potential shift in how neurodegenerative diseases are treated and how brain ageing is understood.

Shetty noted that age-related brain diseases such as dementia remain a major global health concern, adding that reversing brain ageing could help people remain mentally sharp, socially engaged and free from age-related cognitive decline.

The findings could also have far-reaching implications for future treatment approaches and according to Shetty, the simple two-dose nasal spray may one day replace invasive procedures or prolonged courses of medication.

The treatment also showed similar effectiveness in both males and females, an outcome that remains relatively uncommon in biomedical research.

Researchers believe the approach could eventually help stroke survivors regain lost function and potentially slow or reverse cognitive decline in older adults.

“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,” Shetty said.

Although more research is still needed, the team has already filed a U.S. patent for the therapy.