Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used an AI tool to study brain images of 70-year-olds and estimate their brain’s biological age. The study found that poor vascular health factors, like high glucose levels and inflammation, made the brain look older. In contrast, a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, was linked to younger-looking brains.
The findings are published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia under the title “Biological brain age and resilience in cognitively unimpaired 70-year-old individuals.” Over 20,000 people in Sweden develop dementia annually, with Alzheimer’s accounting for most cases. Researchers are exploring ways to strengthen the brain’s resilience against aging processes.
The study involved 739 healthy 70-year-olds from Sweden, who underwent brain MRI scans. An AI algorithm estimated their brain age by analyzing the scans. Blood tests and cognitive assessments were also conducted to measure health factors and lifestyle habits.
The AI tool revealed that diabetes, strokes, and poor vascular health contributed to an older-looking brain. On the other hand, exercise and a healthy lifestyle were linked to a younger brain appearance.
“This study highlights how keeping blood vessels healthy, such as maintaining stable blood sugar levels, can protect the brain,” said researcher Anna Marseglia.
The team now plans to study differences in brain resilience between men and women, considering both biological and cultural factors.
Source: medicalxpress
