Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered that factors affecting blood vessel health, such as inflammation and high glucose levels, are linked to an older-looking brain. Conversely, a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, can contribute to a younger-looking brain.
The study, published in the Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, analysed MRI scans and blood samples from 739 cognitively healthy individuals.
The researchers used an AI-based algorithm to estimate brain age, finding an average brain age of 71 years for both men and women. By subtracting the estimated biological brain age from the chronological age, the team identified a "brain age gap."
They found that diabetes, stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, and inflammation were associated with older-looking brains. In contrast, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices were linked to younger-looking brains.
Lead author Anna Marseglia emphasised the importance of maintaining healthy blood vessels to protect the brain.
"Factors that adversely affect the blood vessels can also be related to older-looking brains," she said. "Keeping your blood vessels healthy, for instance, by stabilising your blood glucose level, is crucial to protecting your brain."
As the global population ages and dementia cases are projected to rise, this study highlights the significance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to promote brain resilience and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
