Editorial: Midlife brain health: understanding brain aging in middle-age and effects of interventions to prevent neurodegeneration in late life

This editorial explores brain aging during midlife and how interventions can prevent neurodegeneration later in life. It includes eight studies (both human and rodent) that investigate cognitive decline, the benefits of exercise, and molecular mechanisms underlying memory loss. Notably, exercise enhances cognitive function in both healthy individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with virtual reality (VR) showing promise for Alzheimer's patients. The editorial highlights gaps in research, such as the lack of diverse study populations, and emphasizes the need for further exploration of midlife risk factors and their long-term effects.

Based on this research, incorporating regular physical activity—such as aerobic exercise and low-intensity movement—may help protect cognitive function starting in midlife. Additionally, emerging tools like virtual reality (VR) therapy may be useful for cognitive training in later years. However, given the small sample sizes and lack of diversity in some studies, further research is needed before making broad recommendations for all populations.