The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **Higher Biological Age Linked to Dementia Risk** A recent study reveals that people who have a biological age higher than their chronological age face a significantly greater risk of developing dementia[1][4][5]. **What is Biological Age?** Unlike chronological age, which counts the number of years since birth, biological age is determined by biomarkers such as lung function, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood-based measurements like cell volume and white blood cell count. Biological age reflects how well the body’s systems—metabolism, immune, liver, kidneys, and heart—work together as a person ages[2][4]. **Key Study Findings** Researchers analyzed data from 280,918 participants, with an average age of 57 at the start and no dementia diagnosis at enrollment. Over a median follow-up of nearly 14 years, 4,770 people developed dementia[2][5]. Those with the most advanced biological age were about 30% more likely to develop dementia than individuals whose biological and chronological ages were closely matched or whose biological age was lower[1][3][4]. **Changes in the Brain** Participants with a higher biological age also showed brain changes linked to dementia, including reduced gray matter volume. This type of brain tissue is essential for learning, cognition, and motor control. Loss of gray matter volume has previously been associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease[1]. **Genetic and Lifestyle Factors** The study also found that individuals who carried the APOE ε4 genetic variant, along with accelerated biological aging, had the highest risk—over four times greater compared to those without this genetic risk and with lower biological age acceleration[5]. Although we cannot change our chronological age, the study’s authors emphasize that we can influence our biological age by making healthier lifestyle choices, such as improving diet and exercise habits[1][2][4]. **Looking Ahead** While this research does not prove that a high biological age directly causes dementia, it highlights a strong association and suggests that reducing biological age through lifestyle modifications could be an important preventive measure as we seek to combat the rising impact of dementia worldwide[1][4][5]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9