Study links maternal X chromosome to accelerated brain aging in women

A new study suggests that the maternal X chromosome may accelerate brain aging, particularly in the hippocampus, which is important for learning and memory. This could increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease in women. Researchers found that female lab mice with only the mother's X chromosome showed cognitive decline as they aged. In contrast, mice with a mix of maternal and paternal X chromosomes did not exhibit the same decline. The study indicates that variations in the maternal X chromosome could influence cognitive impairment and disease risk in women. Further research may help identify strategies to slow brain aging in both sexes.