AI Study Links Lifestyle to Brain Aging

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have utilized AI to estimate the biological age of the brains of 739 healthy seniors, revealing significant connections between lifestyle, health conditions, and brain aging, SciTech Daily reported.

The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia on December 20, involved MRI scans of participants, average age 70, to assess their brain health.

Findings indicated that factors detrimental to vascular health—such as inflammation and high blood sugar—were associated with older-looking brains. Conversely, a healthy lifestyle, characterized by regular exercise, correlated with younger brain appearances.

Lead researcher Anna Marseglia emphasized the importance of maintaining vascular health to protect cognitive function. The study also noted gender differences in resilience to brain aging, prompting future research into how social health, stress, and sleep impact brain resilience, particularly among women. This research underscores the role of lifestyle choices in mitigating the effects of aging on the brain.