A recent study using AI to analyze brain scans from over 700 people has found that lifestyle changes can prevent premature brain aging and boost resilience against conditions like dementia.
Researchers discovered that those who lived healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, tended to have younger-looking brains. In contrast, those with a history of diabetes, stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, or inflammation typically had older-looking brains.
The study’s findings suggest that factors such as maintaining stable blood glucose levels and keeping blood vessels healthy can help protect the brain. This is especially important for people at risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and poor diet, which can increase the risk of stroke.
To calculate a person’s “brain age gap,” researchers used an artificial intelligence algorithm to estimate their age based on brain scan images. The team plans to build upon this research by investigating how social connectedness, sleep, and stress influence brain resilience in a future study.
According to the study’s leader, Dr. Anna Marseglia, the key takeaway is that lifestyle factors can significantly impact brain health. By making simple changes such as regular exercise and maintaining stable blood glucose levels, individuals can reduce their risk of developing age-related conditions like dementia.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1991269/how-keep-your-brain-young