Nasal Spray Reduced Brain Inflammation and Improved Memory in Mice

A nasal spray developed at Texas A&M University reduced brain inflammation and improved memory performance in laboratory mice after two doses. The treatment uses microscopic extracellular vesicles that carry microRNAs to brain cells. Delivered through the nose, the particles bypassed the blood-brain barrier and reached tissue linked to chronic inflammation.

Mice that received the spray showed restored mitochondrial activity inside brain cells and performed better on tests measuring recognition and spatial memory. The improvements appeared within weeks and persisted for months. Researchers also observed that treated animals identified familiar objects and detected environmental changes more accurately than untreated controls.

The study authors noted that the approach could be examined for use in stroke recovery and age-related cognitive decline. Dr. Ashok Shetty stated that a two-dose nasal spray might eventually replace more invasive procedures. New dementia cases are projected to reach about one million in 2060, according to the report.