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3w ago

Study Confirms Biological Age as Key Predictor of Dementia Risk

New research links advanced biological age to a 30% higher likelihood of dementia, with brain structure changes and genetic factors playing a partial role.

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The researchers also found that people with advanced biological age also had changes in their brain that are associated with dementia, such as loss of gray matter volume. Credit: Neuroscience News
neuroscience longevity aging neurology Alzheimer's Biological Age Dementia

Overview

  • A study of 280,918 UK Biobank participants found those with the highest biological age were 30% more likely to develop dementia over 13.6 years of follow-up.
  • Biological age was assessed using organ function metrics and blood-based biomarkers, distinguishing it from chronological age.
  • Brain structure changes, including reduced grey matter volume and cortical thinning, accounted for 6.64%–17.98% of the link between biological age and dementia risk.
  • Carriers of the APOE ε4 genotype with advanced biological age exhibited the highest dementia risk, while polygenic risk scores showed no similar pattern.
  • Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can influence biological age, offering potential avenues for dementia prevention.