Overview

• Researchers analyzed data from 356,173 UK Biobank participants with an average age of 56 over a seven-year follow-up period.
• Individuals with shorter leukocyte telomeres experienced significantly higher incidence rates of stroke, dementia and late-life depression.
• Participants with short telomeres but high McCance Brain Care Scores did not face elevated risk, highlighting the protective role of modifiable factors.
• Lifestyle measures such as weight management, reduced alcohol intake, adequate sleep and regular exercise may mitigate risks associated with cellular aging.
• The study’s limitations include telomere length measured only at baseline and exclusive inclusion of European-ancestry individuals, which may limit generalizability.