Higher Biological Age Linked to Increased Dementia Risk, New Study Finds

Higher Biological Age May Elevate Dementia Risk

A recent study published in Neurology reveals that individuals with a biological age higher than their chronological age are approximately 30% more likely to develop dementia. Biological age, influenced by overall health and lifestyle factors, can differ from an individual's actual age based on birth date.

Key insights from the research:

• The study analyzed data from over 280,000 participants in the UK Biobank, with an average age of 57, followed for about 14 years.
• Researchers calculated biological age using biomarkers such as lung function, blood pressure, cholesterol, and white blood cell count.
• Participants with the most advanced biological age showed a significantly higher risk of dementia.
• Brain scans indicated that higher biological age is associated with loss of gray matter, which is critical for cognitive functions and linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Implications and preventive measures:
Experts emphasize the importance of lifestyle choices, such as healthy diet, regular exercise, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and adequate sleep, in influencing biological age. Healthcare professionals advocate for preventive healthcare strategies to mitigate dementia risk.

Expert opinions:

• Dr. Yacong Bo highlights that while age is unchangeable, biological age can be influenced by lifestyle, potentially reducing dementia risk.
• Dr. Cheng-Han Chen underscores the multifactorial nature of dementia and the role of healthy habits.
• Dr. Rehan Aziz stresses the importance of regular health screenings and lifestyle modifications to decrease biological age.

This research supports the ongoing efforts to promote healthy aging and underscores the potential of lifestyle interventions in reducing dementia risk.