Stem-Cell-Derived Nasal Spray Improves Memory in Aged Mice, Texas A&M Study Finds

Scientists at Texas A&M University delivered a nasal spray of extracellular vesicles derived from neural stem cells to 18-month-old mice (?60-year-old humans). Treated mice showed lower hippocampal inflammation and better working-memory performance than controls.

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Age-related cognitive decline is linked to heightened inflammatory markers, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound sacs that transport microRNA, which cells use to fine-tune protein production and can reduce inflammation by initiating beneficial biological processes. This approach offers a non-invasive means to modulate brain inflammation.

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The study was led by Ashok Shetty, neuroscience professor at Texas A&M University and principal investigator, and published in the *Journal of Extracellular Vesicles*. The group has filed a patent covering the spray composition and its intranasal administration method.

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Mice received the vesicle-laden spray intranasally. Compared with untreated controls, the treated group displayed significantly lower hippocampal inflammation markers and improved performance on memory and cognitive tests. The use of stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles as a nasal delivery vehicle represents a novel strategy to address age-related brain inflammation.

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Shetty said the approach aims to shift aging research from lifespan extension toward preserving cognitive function, describing the findings as evidence that the brain’s intrinsic repair mechanisms can be activated non-invasively, potentially paving the way for therapies against adult-onset brain fog and neurodegenerative disease.

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• “Our approach redefines what it means to grow old,” — Ashok Shetty, Neuroscience Professor, Texas A&M University

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• “We’re aiming for successful brain aging: keeping people engaged, alert and connected. Not just living longer, but living smarter and healthier.” — Ashok Shetty, Neuroscience Professor, Texas A&M University

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• “We are seeing the brain’s own repair systems switch on, healing inflammation and restoring itself,” — Ashok Shetty, Neuroscience Professor, Texas A&M University

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The work was limited to a murine model; human efficacy and safety have not been demonstrated. The authors note that many caveats remain before the therapy can be applied to humans, and further preclinical work is needed. They plan additional studies and aim to advance toward human trials pending safety validation.

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Dementia currently affects an estimated 69.2 million people worldwide, a figure projected to rise to 82 million by 2030. If the approach translates to humans, a non-invasive nasal spray could complement existing interventions for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and age-related cognitive decline, addressing a growing global health challenge.

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