Better Golden Years Ahead? The Latest Breakthroughs in Aging Science

Aging Reinvented: Will Research Make Your Golden Years Better? 

Whether it’s observing older relatives or gazing at photos of our younger selves, it’s natural to wonder what our golden years will look like … and what science and technology may have in store for us when the time comes.

Researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) are tackling some of the biggest challenges facing older adults — from neurodegenerative diseases to mobility issues — and making breakthroughs in medicine and technology that will shape the way we age.

Unveiling Alzheimer's with Brains in a Dish

Scientists have struggled to uncover the origins of diseases like Alzheimer’s because our ability to observe the brain directly is so limited. But that’s changing thanks to brain organoids, also known as “brains in a dish.”

These neural cultures, which are grown in a lab from human cells, replicate the human brain's development, structure and function, allowing researchers to gain new insight into this debilitating disease.

UTSA researcher Jenny Hsieh is working with brain organoids to study the development of Alzheimer’s disease. She and her team use gene-editing technology (CRISPR-Cas9) to create mutations responsible for familial Alzheimer’s disease in stem cells. The team found that subtle biological changes, such as a reduction in neurons, appear many years before behavioral symptoms appear, meaning that the disease begins earlier in life than previously believed.

This breakthrough could vastly improve the lives of people with Alzheimer’s, as doctors can screen for the disease and begin treatment much earlier, delaying their symptoms.

Disentangling Dementia with AI

Alzheimer’s and its related dementias (ADRD) are responsible for a considerable number of deaths each year, with some estimating that there are 10 million new cases of dementia diagnosed each year globally. Unfortunately, the many different types of dementia all have similar symptoms, making it difficult to pinpoint the best course of treatment.

UTSA’s Dhireesha Kudithipudi and UT Health San Antonio’s Mohamad Habes and Gabriel de Erausquin are leveraging state-of-the-art machine learning to collect and analyze data to better distinguish and classify dementia and its subtypes. The study focused initially on Hispanics, who tend to develop dementia earlier and live with it longer than other population groups in the country.

The algorithms they’re creating will help to uncover possible cross-correlations with other neurodegenerative diseases, with the aim of providing patients with earlier detection.

Uncovering Neurological Impacts of Long Covid

A team of UTSA researchers led by Dr. Courtney L. McMahon is using brain organoids to examine ways that the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) affects brain cells. The findings may be a first step towards developing better treatments for long COVID.

The team discovered that the virus can infect brain cells called glial cells, which provide support for an essential nervous system function. Neurons, on the other hand, were generally not affected. While some infected cells showed signs of cell death, others remained healthy, which the team is still investigating.

This research advances our understanding of the effects of the virus on the brain and the causes of neurological symptoms in some COVID-19 patients – a sign of hope for anyone affected by long COVID.

Strengthening Balance and Mobility with VR

People who develop conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's often struggle with balance, mobility and staying active. Virtual Reality (VR) tools and activities have traditionally been unsuitable for these groups because of the agility and balance required.

UTSA researchers John Quarles, Kevin Desai and Alberto Cordova are addressing this problem, leading efforts to make VR accessible for individuals with balance issues. By incorporating specialized audio feedback and using AI to predict and improve balance in real time, the team is creating technology for real-world VR environments typically used at home, meaning that older adults who had previously given up their favorite sports and hobbies due to balance issues may soon be back in the game.

Training the Next Generation of Aging Experts

The number of aging Americans is projected to more than quadruple over the next three decades, from an estimated 101,000 in 2024 to more than 400,000 by 2058, according to projections from the U.S. Census Bureau. This growing demographic will require skilled professionals with expertise in the many facets of aging, from treating neurodegenerative diseases to managing healthcare services.

Students are developing these skillsets through UTSA's Health, Aging & Society Bachelor’s Degree. The program explores population health, aging as a social process and careers in the health and social service professions.

Students also get hands-on experience with studies on neurodegenerative diseases, longevity, neuromuscular disorders, neurology and more in the Aging Studies program at UT Health San Antonio.

UTSA and UT Health San Antonio are on a path to merge into one premier global university, combining their collective academic, research and clinical strengths. Together, the university will continue advancing science to improve the quality and length of life for older adults.