We all understand that no magic elixir can stop or even slow the human brain or skeletal muscles from aging. But is that true?

After two decades of research with mice, Tony Wyss-Coray, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at Stanford University, has some ideas about what might work. Follow-up trials with humans have indeed demonstrated the possibilities.

According to Wyss-Coray, quoted in Stanford University’s School of Medicine newsletter, Scope, “when we treated old mice with repeated intravenous infusions of young plasma (the liquid fraction of blood), these mice became smarter, performing more like young mice on multiple cognitive tests. Conversely, young mice exposed to aged blood or treated with aged plasma experienced accelerated aging of the brain and a loss of cognitive function.”

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That means that, at least in the lab, for now, some techniques that rejuvenate blood may hold promise for improving the performance of the aging human brain in the future.

In another recent study, “among all U.S. adults, an estimated 41.0% of dementia cases were attributable to 12 risk factors…” including hypertension, obesity, and physical inactivity. So any new activities stimulating the mind or body help ward off decline and maybe even dementia. This is encouraging.

Read more: Market Watch