Noninvasive stimulation of facial lymphatic vessels doubles cerebrospinal fluid outflow, enhancing the glymphatic system's clearance of brain waste, even in aged mice. Digest
The glymphatic system—the brain’s waste clearance network—uses cerebrospinal fluid to flush out toxic metabolic byproducts, including amyloid-beta, tau, and other protein aggregates. This clearance process plays a critical role in maintaining brain health and may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. A recent study in mice found that a network of lymphatic vessels in the neck aids glymphatic waste removal, and this system can be enhanced using a gentle, non-invasive technique.
Researchers viewed the lymphatic vessel function of mice using fluorescent tracers. They tracked how cerebrospinal fluid drained from spaces around the brain into lymphatic vessels near the base of the skull and then flowed through tissues near the eyes, nose, and mouth into superficial lymphatic vessels in the neck. Then, using a small mechanical device, they gently compressed the animals' skin in three areas: from around the eyes down to the jaw; from the side of the nose down to the jaw; and along specific lymphatic vessels leading to a lymph node under the jaw.
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They found that about half of the cerebrospinal fluid outflow to the neck passed through the superficial lymphatic vessels. Older mice had fewer lymphatic vessels near the nose and roof of the mouth and exhibited reduced cerebrospinal fluid clearance. However, the lymphatics in the neck remained structurally intact and responsive to stimulation. When they applied the mechanical device to the skin, cerebrospinal outflow doubled, even in aged mice.
These findings suggest that poor glymphatic waste clearance in aging may be reversible by stimulating functional lymphatic vessels in the face. If this approach works in humans, it could offer a simple, noninvasive strategy to support brain health and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease. Deep sleep also promotes glymphatic clearance. Learn more in this clip featuring Dr. Matt Walker.