Inflammation in the Blood Shows Up as Damage in Brain Wiring
Graded Moderate — cross-sectional study of 457 dementia-free adults averaging age 64, though a single time point cannot show whether inflammation drives the white matter changes.
- Design
- Preprint
- Participants
- 457
- Duration
- —
- Funding
- —
This study suggests that managing chronic inflammation may matter for protecting the brain's wiring as we age.
In late middle-aged and older adults, higher levels of inflammatory markers in blood were tied to subtle changes in white matter, the brain's wiring. People with more pro-inflammatory cytokines and CRP showed signs of disrupted neural fibers. The link held even after accounting for Alzheimer's biomarkers. This supports the idea that chronic inflammation quietly chips away at brain health.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.