Gaby
As we navigate through life, the risk of developing chronic diseases gradually increases. While we all age chronologically at the same rate, our biological clocks can tick faster or slower.
This discrepancy has prompted scientists to seek ways to determine biological age. One method involves analyzing the “epigenetic clock,” which takes into account age-related chemical changes in a person’s DNA. Another approach processes information from medical tests regarding blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other physiological indicators.
Thanks to these biomarkers, researchers have faced a stark reality: when a person’s biological age exceeds their chronological age, it indicates accelerated cellular aging and a higher susceptibility to age-related diseases.
A recent study by a team from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden revealed that biological age, rather than the number of years lived, predicts future dementia and stroke.
How the Study Was Conducted
During their research, the team utilized health data from 325,000 middle-aged and older Britons. The scientists were interested in how biological age influences future risks of developing neurological diseases.
Initially, to assess biological age, researchers analyzed 18 biomarkers collected during medical examinations from 2006 to 2010. The factors considered included blood pressure, blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, inflammation markers, waist circumference, and lung capacity.
dementia and stroke over the next decade (even accounting for differences in genetics, gender, wealth, and lifestyle).
Associate Professor of Molecular Biology Sara Hegg provided an example of two 60-year-olds who participated in the study. One had a biological age of 65, while the other was 60. The first participant had a 20 percent higher risk of developing dementia and a 40 percent higher risk of stroke.
What the Scientists Found
The study revealed a strong connection between biological age and the risks of dementia and stroke. Alongside previous research from the team, which showed a significant link between older biological age and cancer risk, the new findings suggest that slowing down the body’s decline could prevent chronic diseases in later life.
Assessing biological age through standard blood samples could become routine practice. Individuals with accelerated aging could be identified decades before they exhibit symptoms of dementia. While this disease is currently incurable, early detection allows for interventions that can slow its progression through preventive measures.
Researchers suggest that biological age can be slowed down by changing lifestyle habits. Specifically, through exercise, quality sleep, and a healthy diet, as reported by The Conversation.
In the near future, scientists plan to replicate their study with a larger sample of participants. The team also hopes to uncover the relationship between genetic background, biological aging, and other serious diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
However, monitoring the internal processes of aging can already help individuals delay cognitive decline, offering hope for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
