New research suggests that brain aging may be influenced by factors present in childhood, such as test scores around age 11. While cognitive decline is not inevitable, lifestyle factors like exercise, quitting smoking, speaking a second language, or playing a musical instrument may contribute to improved cognitive performance and slower brain aging.
According to a recent study published in the Journal “Genomic Psychiatry,” approximately half of the variations that cause some people to experience more cognitive decline than others may already be present in their childhoods. Researchers stress that there is no single factor that increases the risk of cognitive decline, but rather numerous contributing factors.
Lead authors emphasize that small, incremental changes – known as “marginal gains” – can have a significant impact on brain health, rather than relying on a magic bullet solution.
Source: https://san.com/cc/heres-why-it-may-seem-like-some-peoples-brains-age-faster-than-others