►KL-VS Genetic Variant of KLOTHO Is Associated with Enhanced Cognition in Three Independent Human Cohorts and in a Meta-Analysis

We therefore investigated whether klotho can impact physiological brain function and, more specifically, whether it can prevent or counteract cognitive decline in human aging. We demonstrate that the lifespan-extending variant of the KLOTHO gene, KL-VS, is associated with increased klotho levels in serum and enhanced cognition in aging people heterozygous for the allele in three cohorts and across multiple ages. We also analyzed transgenic mice with moderate systemic overexpression of klotho. Independent of age, these mice performed better in multiple tests of learning and memory than controls. Further investigation of potential underlying mechanisms revealed unexpected effects of klotho elevation on the functions of synapses and glutamate receptors.

more specifically, whether it can prevent or counteract cognitive decline in human aging.

A gene variant associated with long lives in those people who possess it may also make them smarter by improving brain function, researchers say.


It has been known for at least decade people with high body levels of Klotho tend to live longer, and researchers wanted to know if the hormone could protect our brains from aging as well as the rest of the body.