New York: Nitya Gore of Plainview High School on Long Island, NY and Her Research

Hi! My name is Nitya Gore, and I am a sophomore at Plainview. I have a deep passion for the medical field, though I am still exploring which specific path I want to pursue. However, my growing interest in neurobiological health drives me to learn more about how the brain and nervous system impact overall well-being, and I hope to build a career that connects with this field of study. Beyond academics, I am a dedicated competitive dancer, training at my studio for over 12 years, and I plan to continue throughout high school because of my strong commitment and passion for dance that I have had all throughout my life and still do! Additionally, music has been a significant part of my life, as I have participated in NYSSMA for over five years, was selected as an All-County Jazz drummer, and had the exciting opportunity to play in my school’s pit orchestra last year! I am also deeply committed to volunteering and actively seek out opportunities to give back to my community. Whether through science, dance, music, or service, I am always eager to challenge myself, grow, and make a meaningful impact!

Reviewed Article: Biological aging processes underlying cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease by Gonzales et al.

Main Argument & Findings:

Targeting aging processes is a key factor mentioned in the article that may help lessen the chance of reduced cognitive function and neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer's, as they also expressed their case that biological aging is a major contributing role. It draws attention to the likely processes that patients may undergo which lessens their cognitive function significantly, such as chronic inflammation, autophagy malfunction, and mitochondrial degeneration (Gonzales et al., 2022). As previously highlighted by Gonzales, "Targeting fundamental processes underlying biological aging may represent a yet relatively unexplored avenue to attenuate both age-related cognitive decline and ADRD," (2022). By demonstrating that cognitive decline starts far earlier than previously thought, this deepened my understanding and highlighted the importance of early treatments and preventative measures to promote long-term brain health.

Importance for Youth:

The information from this article is especially important for the youth to consider because it highlights the importance of reinforcing healthy habits and lifestyle at a young age to slow down neurological aging, as proven by the study. Gonzales mentions how prevention of cognitive disfunction at earlier ages is crucial, mainly because cognitive decline as a result of aging begins not in old age, but much earlier than expected (2022). The author continues to encourage the youth to consider their future and spark interest in discovering possible strategies to increase the quality of their life that lies ahead.

What I Learned: 

I learned, through all of this, that preventative healthcare is something that even people as young as me can consider, especially because of the fact that cognitive decline can start even earlier than the elderly age as expected. The biological aging process as a means to cause cognitive decline and other neurodegenerative disease is something that should not be ignored, as it can start out early in life and be avoided, but have a greater, more negative impact on neurological function if no measures are implemented. Prioritizing brain health early can help reduce the risk of possible neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, which can include maintaining a proper lifestyle with healthy choices regarding nutrition, exercise, and cognitive stimulation.

Citations: Gonzales, M. M., Garbarino, V. R., Pollet, E., Palavicini, J. P., Kellogg, D. L., Kraig, E., & Orr, M. E. (2022). Biological aging processes underlying cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 132(10). https://doi.org/10.1172/jci158453

IG: @nityagore_