Key to healthy aging may be found in brain’s ‘blue spot’ — here’s how it works

Turns out, your brain isn’t just a squishy mass of pinkish-grey.

Hidden deep inside is a tiny “blue spot” that plays a major role in our cognition — and a new study shows that it goes through a dramatic evolution as we age.

Researchers believe that those changes could offer valuable clues about who might be at risk for serious neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s as they age. Here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead in the battle against memory loss.

But first: What is the brain’s “blue spot”?

The locus coeruleus is a small but mighty region tucked deep within your brainstem.

It gets its distinct blue color from a pigment called neuromelanin, which is formed through chemical reactions involving norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter helps us stay focused, form new memories, manage stress levels and even regulate our sleep cycles.

Scientists believe the locus coeruleus is the brain region most vulnerable to the physical changes caused by Alzheimer’s disease, with signs of the illness possibly appearing years — or even decades — before any noticeable symptoms appear.

“By examining the health of the locus coeruleus and its relation to cognitive aging processes, these data may reveal when an individual is on a healthy aging trajectory and advance our understanding of why certain groups may have higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease later in life,” said Dr. Adam Anderson, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Cornell University. 

How does the “blue spot” change with age? 

In the study, Anderson and his colleagues recruited 134 participants aged 19 to 86, about 40% of whom were people of color.

The researchers then used advanced MRI scans to measure the intensity of neuromelanin in the participants’ brains, which is believed to reflect the health and activity of the locus coeruleus.

They uncovered a clear pattern: In healthy participants, the intensity of neuromelanin starts low in young adulthood, gradually rises to a peak in later middle age, and then takes a sharp decline after age 60.

This discovery, researchers said, helps map out what healthy aging looks like in this key area of the brain.

Interestingly, the team also observed higher peaks of neuromelanin in Black participants and women — two groups known to have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

How do these changes affect cognition?

In the study, higher levels of neuromelanin in midlife were linked to better thinking and memory, while a drop after age 60 was tied to worse cognitive performance.

The reason some groups had bigger spikes in neuromelanin isn’t entirely clear, but researchers believe it could be linked to a theory called “compensation.”

This theory suggests that overloading the brain and living with constant stress — both of which involve the locus coeruleus — may provide short-term benefits, but could deplete our brain power as we age.

“While the locus coeruleus is required for alertness, focus and memory,” Anderson said, “heightened neuromelanin can also be a sign of overactivity and is implicated in depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, all of which are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.”

How to preserve your brain’s blue spot

Researchers are currently exploring ways to maintain healthy neuromelanin levels as we age, including relaxation practices like deep breathing and vagus nerve stimulation.

More broadly, regular exercise, especially aerobic activity, is a proven way to boost brain health. Studies, including one from the Oxford Academic Journal, suggest that higher-intensity workouts may directly affect the activity of the locus coeruleus, enhancing overall brain function.

Research also indicates that staying mentally active can help build a cognitive reserve, potentially mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Activities like reading, learning new skills or engaging in mentally challenging hobbies can all contribute.