Early signs of accelerated brain aging may form in the womb, researcher warns

Natalia Stefanova, lead researcher at the Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Aging at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has warned that the earliest signs of accelerated brain aging may develop in newborns.

She added that the precursors to cognitive decline, rapid brain aging, and neurodegenerative diseases can form in the womb, during the fetal stage, and in the early postnatal period.

Stefanova explained that factors such as shorter pregnancies and low birth weight may pose significant health risks in the future.

Accelerated brain aging is a process in which structural and functional changes in the brain occur faster than expected for a person's chronological age. Scientists identify this using MRI scans, comparing actual images to reference models.

High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, sleep disorders, and depression are believed to have the greatest impact on this process. As a result, the risk of cognitive disorders linked to tissue atrophy and white matter problems increases.

The researcher said: "Recent studies have shown that reduced cognitive abilities in older age, accelerated brain aging, and the development of neurodegenerative diseases can actually begin during the fetal stage or early after birth, when children's brains are maturing."

She explained that "experiments conducted by the Institute of Cytology and Genetics on laboratory animal models indicate that the risks of accelerated aging may appear at an early age, even in the womb."

It was found that these laboratory animals had shorter gestation periods and lower birth weights. These signs may become risk factors for developing various diseases later on.

Stefanova previously told the TASS news agency that the process of brain aging begins in the hippocampus, a brain structure responsible for memory and learning. However, she noted that cognitive decline due to brain aging is inevitable for humans.