Microglia, the innate immune cells in the brain, play a crucial role in maintaining neural function. However, as they age, they become overly inflammatory, neglecting their tissue maintenance tasks and contributing to neurodegenerative conditions. Researchers have found that this inflammatory state is a progressive dysfunction at the individual microglia level, impacting cognitive function. Several studies have highlighted the hallmarks of aging in microglia, including changes in gene expression and proteostasis. Additionally, research suggests that the aged systemic environment plays a role in driving microglia aging. To understand the progression of age-related dysfunction in microglia, scientists studied the hippocampus, a brain region involved in cognitive decline, and identified intermediate states that lead to inflammatory activation. The findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive decline and provide insights into potential therapeutic targets.
