Texas A&M Study Suggests Nasal Spray May Reverse Neuroinflammaging

Researchers from Texas A&M University say a two-dose nasal spray may reduce brain inflammation, restore cellular energy function, and improve memory in a study of brain aging. Led by Ashok Shetty, the team explored whether the slow inflammatory process known as neuroinflammaging can be reversed rather than accepted as an unavoidable part of aging.

The treatment uses extracellular vesicles, or EVs, which carry microRNAs into the brain through intranasal delivery. According to the team, the spray can bypass the brain’s protective barrier and reach brain tissue directly without invasive procedures. Once inside the brain, the microRNAs act on resident immune cells and suppress inflammatory pathways including NLRP3 inflammasome and cGAS-STING signaling. The approach also recharged neuronal mitochondria, improving the brain’s ability to process and store information.

Behavioral tests supported the biological findings. Mice treated with the nasal spray showed improved recognition of familiar objects and better detection of new objects and changes in their environment compared with controls. The benefits reportedly appeared within weeks after just two doses and lasted for months. The study was published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, and the results were reported to be similar across both sexes.

Shetty said the findings suggest that brain aging can be reversed and that a simple nasal spray could one day reduce the need for invasive procedures or prolonged medication. The team has already filed a U.S. patent for the therapy while further research continues.

The researchers say the approach may have broader uses in the future, including helping stroke survivors recover lost brain function or slowing cognitive aging.