r/science • u/Potential_Being_7226 PhD | Psychology | Neuroscience • 13d ago

Neuroscience Boosting brain’s waste removal system improves memory in old mice | Researchers found that rejuvenating the lymphatic vessels in the brain enhanced recognition memory and restored synaptic function through an interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway.

https://medicine.washu.edu/news/boosting-brains-waste-removal-system-improves-memory-in-old-mice/
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u/chessmasterjj 13d ago edited 13d ago

How do we clean out our brain of waste? 

Edit: Just says they boosted the lymphatic system of the mice, doesn't say how. If you give "strengthen lymphatic system" a Goog you get physical exercise, hydration and healthy diet. 

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u/1AggressiveSalmon 13d ago

Anecdotally, I can say that having a lymphatic massage that focused on drainage from the head and neck helped reduce headaches. However, I have had both a craniotomy and radiation focused in my head, so I am more likely to have a less functional lymphatic system. Probably time to spring for another session. There are many do it yourself videos for basic drainage techniques.

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u/tipsystatistic 13d ago

Probably not clinically validated, but lymphatic drainage is a big part of Chinese qi-gong. Kind of a blind spot in the west, but It’s viewed as equally important as cardio fitness.

They’ve got a lot of different movements and massages aimed at getting the lymph system moving.

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u/1AggressiveSalmon 13d ago

I am on the hunt for a Traditional Chinese Massage therapist, but they don't really advertise themselves.