'Supportive' brain cells may drive cognitive decline, finds study

Oligodendrocytes, brain cells that produce myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibres, can become dysfunctional with age and may actively contribute to cognitive decline, a study found. Experiments in mice showed that disrupting oligodendrocytes impaired cognitive performance. Experts said the study challenges the view that oligodendrocytes are always "supportive" of healthy brain function