Researchers at Karolinska Institutet utilized an AI tool to analyze brain images of 739 cognitively healthy individuals, aged 70, revealing an average biological brain age of 71 years.

This study, part of Gothenburg's H70 cohort, involved MRI scans and highlighted a 'brain age gap' when comparing biological brain age to chronological age.

The research identified several health factors, including diabetes and inflammation, that contribute to an older brain appearance, while regular exercise and healthy habits were linked to a younger brain.

Published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, the study highlights the urgency of addressing dementia in Sweden, where over 20,000 individuals develop some form of dementia each year.

Marseglia also noted the need for further research into enhancing brain resilience against pathological aging, especially as new Alzheimer's drugs may not be effective for all patients.

The AI algorithm used in the study was praised for its accuracy and user-friendliness, suggesting potential future applications in dementia research.

Future studies will explore sex differences in brain aging and the impact of social health factors, sleep, and stress on brain resilience, particularly in women.

Participants underwent comprehensive assessments, including MRI scans, blood tests for lipids and glucose, and cognitive testing, to provide a robust data set.

The detailed findings of this research are encapsulated in the paper titled 'Biological brain age and resilience in cognitively unimpaired 70-year-old individuals,' published on December 20, 2024.

Overall, the findings underscore the significant impact of lifestyle choices on mitigating the effects of aging on the brain.

Lead researcher Anna Marseglia emphasized the critical role of maintaining vascular health, particularly stable blood glucose levels, to protect cognitive function and resilience against aging.

The study received funding from organizations such as the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Alzheimer’s Foundation, with no conflicts of interest reported by the researchers.