Biological Age May Predict Dementia Risk in Large-Scale Study

A recent extensive study suggests that an individual's biological age, which reflects the functional condition of various bodily systems, could be linked to their risk of developing dementia. Published in the journal Neurology, the research indicates that people whose biological age exceeds their chronological age are more likely to develop dementia than those with a biological age aligned or lower than their actual age. Biological age is assessed through biomarkers like lung function, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other blood-based indicators such as cell volume and white blood cell counts. These markers collectively provide insight into the health and performance of diverse systems, including metabolism, immunity, the liver, kidneys, and heart.

The study analyzed data from 280,918 participants in a UK database over an average follow-up period of 14 years. At the outset, the participants' average chronological age was 57, and none had dementia. During the follow-up, 4,770 individuals developed dementia. Researchers found that those who later developed the condition had a higher average chronological age of 65 but showed a biological age of around 55 based on certain measurement methods, compared to 45 among those who remained dementia-free.

Participants were grouped into four categories based on their biological age, revealing that those in the highest group—meaning the most advanced biological age—were approximately 30% more likely to develop dementia than those in the lowest group. These associations persisted even after adjusting for factors like age, education, and smoking status. Additionally, brain imaging showed that individuals with an advanced biological age exhibited structural brain changes associated with dementia, such as reduced gray matter volume. Bo, the study’s lead author, noted that while these brain changes explain part of the relationship, other factors are also involved.

The research emphasizes that although one cannot alter their chronological age, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise can influence biological aging, potentially affecting dementia risk. However, the authors acknowledge that the study's participants, being more health-conscious than the general population, may limit the generalizability of the findings. Overall, the study supports the idea that biological aging is a significant indicator of dementia risk, highlighting the importance of maintaining bodily health throughout life.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-biological-age-linked-dementia-large.html