Our bodies do not age at the same rate everywhere. That means some organs can be older than our chronological age indicates. Researchers discovered that the pace at which the brain ages can influence the risk of disease and life expectancy.
In a major study involving more than 44,000 participants, blood tests were used to determine the biological age of various organs. In doing so, scientists developed a method that measures how quickly organs such as the brain age based on certain protein levels in the blood.
The brain appeared to play an important role in predicting future health problems. People whose brains aged faster than average were found to have a higher risk of age-related disorders. These new insights help to better understand how the body ages.
The research shows that ageing is a complex process that can vary per organ. By measuring how fast the brain is ageing, we may be able to intervene earlier and thus support a healthier old age.
Source: Neuroscience News
