Brain Breakthrough Could Help Older Adults Live Longer and Stay Steady

Aging appears to alter how key cerebellar neurons fire, with measurable effects on movement and coordination. Aging often brings slower movement, weaker balance, and reduced agility, but the brain changes behind these losses have been difficult to identify. McGill University researchers have now directly linked declining activity in Purkinje cells, an important type of neuron [...]

Aging appears to alter how key cerebellar neurons fire, with measurable effects on movement and coordination. Aging often brings slower movement, weaker balance, and reduced agility, but the brain changes behind these losses have been difficult to identify. McGill University researchers have now directly linked declining activity in Purkinje cells, an important type of neuron in the cerebellum, to measurable deterioration in gait, balance, coordination, and physical function.

“By demonstrating how the changes that happen to Purkinje cells in age are causally linked to changes in gait, motor coordination and balance, our work provides new avenues for therapies that may prevent or delay motor aging,” explained Eviatar Fields, the study’s lead