A new pilot study suggests that intermittent treatment with senolytic medications, Dasatinib and Quercetin (DQ), may offer promise in enhancing cognitive function in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The research, which targeted the removal of senescent (aging) cells from the body, presents early indications that such treatments could slow cognitive decline associated with aging.
Cellular senescence, a process linked to aging, is believed to contribute significantly to cognitive and mobility impairments in older adults. Senescent cells release harmful by-products that can drive inflammation and disrupt normal cell function. Senolytic drugs, such as DQ, target these aging cells, offering a potential avenue for reducing the risks of age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
The study, published in eBioMedicine as “A Pilot Study of Senolytics to Improve Cognition and Mobility in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease,” investigated the effects of DQ on individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and slow gait, both of which are markers for heightened Alzheimer’s risk.
Results showed modest but promising improvements in cognitive function, particularly among participants with the lowest baseline cognitive scores. Additionally, the treatment appeared to reduce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), an inflammatory marker linked to cellular aging. These findings suggest that the benefits of senolytics may stem from their ability to lower inflammation, potentially enhancing cognitive function.
Over the course of 12 weeks, 12 participants received a combination of Dasatinib (100mg) and Quercetin (1250mg) for two days every two weeks. The study recorded a statistically significant 2.0-point improvement in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in participants with the lowest baseline scores. Furthermore, reductions in TNF-α were observed, aligning with the cognitive improvements seen in the study.
Dr. Courtney L. Millar, Assistant Scientist II at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife, and the lead author of the study, noted, “Our findings suggest that senolytic treatment with Dasatinib and Quercetin is well-tolerated in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and may improve cognition by targeting the harmful effects of cellular senescence.”
However, Dr. Millar also cautioned that while the results are promising, the study’s small sample size limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions. “We need additional research to confirm these preliminary benefits and further explore the therapeutic potential of senolytics,” she emphasized.
This pilot study lays the groundwork for future investigations into the potential of senolytics as a treatment for cognitive decline in aging populations.
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