The role of epigenetics in cognitive aging: mechanisms, interventions, and future directions

Abstract

The decline of one’s cognitive skills owing to aging along with conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease is partly caused by changes in the expression of relevant genes, which do not require the sequence of DNA to be altered. This study looks at the processes of DNA methylation, histone alterations, and non-coding RNAs in cognitive decline, concentrating on their effects on synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and survivability of neurons. New treatment approaches targeting these epigenetic mechanisms, for example, HDAC and DNMT inhibitors, appear to be helpful in reducing cognitive deficits. Changes in one’s lifestyle, for example, diet and physical activity, could have an effect on brain functioning and may alter the patterns of gene expression. Having said that, the potential of epigenomic therapeutics is enormous, but there are still limitations in specificity and practical implementation. There is a strong potential in using a personalized approach based on multi-omics and novel artificial intelligence technology to optimize therapeutic approaches to age-related cognitive impairment. Further research needs to be conducted to ensure the safety, accuracy, and effectiveness of the treatment aimed at improving the brain health of the elderly.

Keywords: Cognitive aging, epigenetics, gene expression, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, AI-driven therapeutics