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| They’re not big birthdays or life milestones, but scientists have discovered two ages that are turning points for brain health. Around age 44, your brain’s energy systems start to struggle. By 67, that struggle can intensify — unless you do something to ease it. |
| Researchers studied over 19,000 brains to figure this out and found a window between your mid-40s and late 60s when you can make simple changes that may protect how you think for decades to come. If you’ve ever felt your brain fuel tank is running low, read on! |
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Fill ‘er up!
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline
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Written by Tim Snaith
May 2, 2025 • 4.5 min read |
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| Can your brain run on backup fuel? |
| Your brain makes up just 2% of your body weight, but it uses about 20% of your energy. That energy mainly comes from glucose, or sugar. But as we age, our brain cells (neurons) don’t use glucose as efficiently. It’s a little like a car engine that starts sputtering because the fuel system clogs up over time. |
| This energy slowdown affects the brain’s ability to send signals clearly, especially in the areas that need the most power, like memory and decision making. |
| The cause of this pattern is neuronal insulin resistance. When neurons struggle to process glucose, their go-to fuel, communication between different parts of your brain becomes less reliable, resulting in forgetfulness and cognitive decline. |
| Enter ketones, the brain’s backup fuel
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| Even if your brain lacks enough glucose, it can still use ketones for energy.
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| Ketones are molecules your body makes when it burns fat instead of sugar, like when you fast, eat fewer carbs, or take certain supplements. Think of them as your brain’s backup power source. They don’t need insulin to enter your brain cells, so they can help when glucose isn’t cutting it anymore. |
| In a new study, scientists investigated whether adding this alternative fuel to the body’s mix could restore brain function. They gave ketone supplements to people in different age groups, then scanned their brains to measure how well neurons worked together. They discovered that our brains respond most strongly to ketones in our 40s and 50s. |
| So, it looks like our brains respond really well to ketones in our 40s and 50s, before the damage from energy problems becomes harder to reverse. |
| Why this matters |
| This research changes how we think about aging. It’s not just about “staying sharp,” it’s about knowing when your brain is most ready to respond to support. Your 40s and 50s might be your best shot at keeping your brain in shape for the decades ahead. |
| You don’t need fancy tools or extreme diets. Understanding how your brain uses fuel (and giving it the right kind) could make a lasting difference. |
| Brain-friendly habits |
| If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or even early 60s, there’s still time to give your brain the support it needs. Here’s how: |
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