Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have used an artificial intelligence tool to estimate the biological age of brains from MRI scans of 70-year-olds. The study found that factors harmful to vascular health, such as inflammation and high blood sugar levels, are linked to older-looking brains, while a healthy lifestyle was associated with younger-looking brains.
The study involved 739 cognitively healthy seniors, with approximately two-thirds of dementia cases in Sweden attributed to Alzheimer’s disease. Despite new treatments for Alzheimer’s, the rate of brain aging can be influenced by various health and lifestyle factors.
Lead author Anna Marseglia stated that the AI algorithm is both accurate and robust, yet easy to use. The researchers estimated the average brain age to be 71 years, with a “brain age gap” that subtracted from chronological age. They found that diabetes, stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, and inflammation were linked to brains with an older appearance, while regular exercise was associated with younger-looking brains.
The study’s findings suggest that maintaining good vascular health is crucial for protecting the brain. Anna Marseglia emphasized that factors such as blood glucose levels and social engagement can influence brain resilience. Future research will investigate how sociocultural influences impact brain aging in women and men.
This research has significant implications for understanding dementia and developing targeted interventions. However, it is essential to consider the limitations of AI tools and their potential biases, particularly when applied to complex health conditions like food allergies and nutritional deficiencies.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/new-ai-discovery-the-hidden-factors-behind-faster-brain-aging