Biological age of the brain predicts lifespan, according to new research
The field of medicine is on the brink of a significant transformation, with the development of a new approach that could potentially revolutionize healthcare. Researchers have discovered a method to measure the biological age of the brain, a breakthrough that promises to advance preventative medicine and longevity.
This innovative technique, which estimates how old the brain appears compared to a person's chronological age, could signal higher risks for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, cognitive decline, and increased mortality. By identifying these risks early, timely preventive measures can be taken before clinical symptoms develop.
The brain, it seems, is the strongest predictor of health outcomes. Researchers analysed blood samples from 45,000 adults, measuring over 3,000 proteins. They found that these proteins were linked to specific organs, including the brain, allowing for an 'organ biological age' estimation.
This method, when commercialized, could help measure the biological age of the brain, heart, and immune system. The initial focus of the commercialized test will likely be on key organs such as the brain, heart, and immune system.
The commercialized test is intended to help move from reactive healthcare to proactive healthcare. By providing early, individualized assessments of brain health and aging pace, it could potentially revolutionize the approach to healthcare by focusing on preventing diseases rather than just treating them.
Prof Tony Wyss-Coray, senior author of the study, stated that the brain is the "gatekeeper of longevity". He suggests that the future of medicine lies in shifting from "sick care" to "health care", aiming to intervene before organ-specific diseases occur.
Individuals with a biologically youthful brain are likely to live longer, experiencing a 40% reduction in mortality. Conversely, having an 'extremely aged' brain increases the likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease within a decade, and the risk of death from any cause over a 15-year period is increased by 182%.
By quantifying brain biological age through non-invasive MRI, clinicians and researchers can track whether lifestyle changes, treatments, or preventive strategies effectively slow brain aging, guiding continual adjustments for maximum benefit. This could lead to a new era of preventative medicine, where early intervention and prevention of organ-specific diseases become the norm.
In summary, measuring the brain’s biological age provides a quantifiable, non-invasive method to predict and potentially prevent age-related brain diseases and decline, enabling personalized strategies that promote healthier aging and extended lifespan. Using tools like BrainAGE and DunedinPACNI in routine clinical practice could transform how aging and associated diseases are managed. The team is working towards commercializing the test, which could be available within the next two to three years.
- The new method for measuring the biological age of the brain, discovered through research, is set to redefine preventative medicine and longevity.
- This innovative approach could help identify higher risks for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, cognitive decline, and increased mortality.
- By determining the biological age of key organs like the brain, heart, and immune system, the commercialized test aims to shift from reactive healthcare to proactive healthcare.
- The brain, as per Professor Tony Wyss-Coray, is the "gatekeeper of longevity," and the future of medicine lies in moving from "sick care" to "health care."
- Individuals with a biologically youthful brain are likely to live longer, enjoying a 40% reduction in mortality, while those with an 'extremely aged' brain face a higher risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
- By tracking brain aging using non-invasive MRI, clinicians and researchers can evaluate whether lifestyle changes, treatments, or preventive strategies are effective in slowing brain aging.
- The commercialization of this test could lead to a new era of preventative medicine, where early intervention and prevention of age-related brain diseases become the norm, eventually transforming the management of aging and associated diseases.
