In an animal study, scientists have shown that injection with human umbilical cord blood rejuvenated the hippocampus region of aging brains, which helped prevent age-related decrease in neurogenesis, and possibly, improved cognitive function.

"We have shown that injections of UCBCs can reduce neuroinflammation," concluded co-author Paul R. Sanberg, Ph.D. D.Sc. director of the Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair. "Our results raise the possibility that a cell therapy could be an effective approach to improving the microenvironment of the aged brain and restoring some lost capacity."

The results of the study are published online at BMC Neuroscience.

Source: USF Health