Unveiling Brain Aging: The Central Role of Neuroinflammation

As the global population ages, the pursuit of strategies to preserve brain health and resilience has become a paramount scientific and societal goal. Increasing evidence positions neuroinflammation at the center of this endeavor, not simply as a byproduct of aging but as an active and dynamic process that can influence the trajectory of cognitive function and vulnerability to neurodegenerative disease. Unraveling the multifaceted roles of neuroinflammatory responses—ranging from their involvement in tissue maintenance and repair to their contribution to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss—represents one of the most compelling and timely challenges in contemporary neuroscience.

This Research Topic is designed to serve as a multidisciplinary forum for high-impact contributions that delve into the intricate relationship between neuroinflammation and aging. We seek to move beyond reductionist models, emphasizing the sophisticated crosstalk between neural, immune, and systemic factors that collectively shape aging phenotypes within the central nervous system. Recognizing neuroinflammation as a context-dependent phenomenon, we welcome work that explores both its detrimental and potentially adaptive aspects, particularly in the setting of physiological aging, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative pathology.

The scope of this collection spans from fundamental mechanistic insights—at the molecular, cellular, and systems level—to translational and clinical advances with direct relevance to human health. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating cutting-edge technologies such as multi-omics, advanced neuroimaging, and data-driven approaches that can deepen our understanding of neuroinflammatory trajectories across the lifespan. We also aim to highlight the impact of modifiable lifestyle factors, genetic diversity, and environmental exposures, as well as the need to address disparities and individual variability within aging populations.

Through inviting contributions from basic scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts, this Research Topic strives to foster interdisciplinary collaborations that accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into meaningful clinical interventions. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we hope to advance the field toward the development of robust biomarkers, targeted therapeutics, and ultimately, strategies to enhance healthy brain aging on a global scale.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Neuroinflammation, Brain Aging, Neurodegeneration, Cognitive Decline, Neuroimmune Interaction

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.