Recent research using AI tools has uncovered an intriguing connection between healthy lifestyles and brains that appear younger than their actual age. In a study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, brain images of 70-year-olds were analysed, revealing that factors like inflammation, high glucose levels, and poor vascular health can age the brain, while healthy lifestyle choices are linked to younger-appearing brains.
Using an advanced AI tool, researchers estimated the biological age of participants' brains based on their images. The findings, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, revealed that despite the participants being 70 years old on average, the AI tool calculated their brain’s biological age to be around 71. This provided a clear benchmark to assess how lifestyle factors influence brain health.
The study revealed that poor vascular health factors, such as inflammation and high glucose levels, were linked to older-appearing brains. These factors can harm blood vessels, which in turn negatively affect brain health. Researchers found that conditions like diabetes, stroke, and small vessel disease contributed to an increased aging process in the brain.
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However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially regular physical activity, was associated with brains that appeared younger. Regular exercise has been shown to support vascular health and can reduce inflammation, two key factors in slowing down the brain aging process.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle helps you feel young and also protects your brain from cognitive decline and conditions like dementia. Here are six habits to help you stay sharp and youthful:
Get off your seat and get moving: Use it or lose it, the rule applies not just to muscles, but to your brain too. Regular exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and keeps cognitive decline at bay. Whether it's a walk, jog, or yoga session, get moving to keep both your body and brain in top shape.
You are what you eat: When it comes to junk food, don’t bite off more than you can chew. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can reduce inflammation and protect your brain. Avoid high sugar and processed foods to keep your mind sharp and your body in peak condition.
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Prevention is better: Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can have a significant impact on your brain health. Keeping your blood sugar and cholesterol levels under control can help maintain vascular health, which is critical for brain function.
Rest and recharge: Quality sleep is essential for memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and your brain health. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to give your brain the time it needs to recover and refresh.
Active brain: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, like puzzles, reading, or learning something new. Keeping your brain active helps build cognitive reserves, which can protect against cognitive decline as you age.
Stay social: Meaningful social connections help reduce the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which are linked to cognitive decline. Engage with friends, join social clubs, or participate in community activities to keep your mind and spirit in a positive place.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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