Stroke triggers a hidden brain change that looks like rejuvenation

After a stroke, the brain may do something surprisingly hopeful-it can refresh parts of itself. Researchers analyzing brain scans from over 500 stroke survivors found that while the damaged side of the brain appears to age faster, the opposite, unaffected side can actually look younger. This unexpected shift seems to reflect the brains effort to rewire itself, strengthening healthy regions to compensate for lost function.