Rapamycin and Aging: Insights into Brain and Muscle Health

This chapter explores the effects of rapamycin on brain and muscle function in the context of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. It discusses research findings from mice studies that suggest rapamycin enhances cognitive performance and maintains muscle function, as well as potential implications for canine and human health. The conversation also critiques caloric restriction and examines various interventions aimed at extending healthspan and lifespan.

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The Life-Extension Episode — Dr. Matt Kaeberlein on The Dog Aging Project, Rapamycin, Metformin, Spermidine, NAD+ Precursors, Urolithin A, Acarbose, and Much More | Brought to you by Levels real-time feedback on how diet impacts your health, Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement, and LMNT electrolyte supplement. More on all three below.

Dr. Matt Kaeberlein (@mkaeberlein) is a professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, with adjunct appointments in Genome Sciences and Oral Health Sciences. Dr. Kaeberlein’s research interests are focused on understanding biological mechanisms of aging in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life for people and companion animals.

Dr. Kaeberlein is the founding director of the University of Washington Healthy Aging and Longevity Research Institute, the director of the NIH Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging at the University of Washington, director of the Biological Mechanisms of Healthy Aging Training Program, and founder and co-director of the Dog Aging Project.

Please enjoy!

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[06:44] What is aging biology?

[08:43] How Matt pivoted from mathematics to biology.

[11:46] What is the Dog Aging Project?

[13:42] Understanding healthspan through Matt’s frozen shoulder ordeal.

[20:23] Rapamycin vs. sterile inflammation.

[23:07] Current thoughts about how the immune system changes as we age.

[29:11] Anti-aging uses for rapamycin (and potential risks/side effects).

[42:20] Rapamycin and the Dog Aging Project.

[45:30] Rapamycin vs. neurodegeneration.

[48:21] What studies tell us about rapamycin’s potential to increase lifespan.

[51:30] Rapamycin alternatives considered for the Dog Aging Project.