Aging, especially after the seventh decade, is often associated with a decline in intelligence, memory strength, and the onset of Alzheimer’s.
However, a recent study revealed that even in old age, in your ninth decade or beyond, your brain can remain young.
So, what is this study about?
Recipe for Eternal Youth
A recent study found that a range of concentration and relaxation techniques can lead to the growth of new brain cells in humans.
Besides keeping the brain young by approximately a decade beyond their current age.
Scientists used a specially designed computer program to assess “human brain age.”
They examined the brains of 50 persons who meditate regularly and 50 others who do not.
They found that the brains of meditators appear 7.5 years younger than their actual ages.
While the brain age of non-meditators did not differ from the average age of ordinary people.
The scientists revealed that meditation is a unique feature of centenarians.
Where every year spent meditating after the age of 50 reduces their brain age by an additional year.
This suggests that meditation provides protection against Alzheimer’s, aging, and other memory loss diseases.
Brains Full of Life Even in Old Age
A new study confirmed that certain lifestyle choices affect the rate of aging in our brains and that parts of our bodies can age at different rates.
This aligns with studies suggesting that an ideal lifestyle and healthy routine free from life’s detriments also lead to mental health and eternal youth.
The study was led by researchers from the Karolinska Institute and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
It looked at various biological signals to estimate the brain age of people who are 70 years old and do not suffer from cognitive impairment.
Vascular Health
From the analysis of 739 people, the study highlighted the importance of vascular health in maintaining a youthful brain appearance.
Habits such as regular physical activity, adhering to a healthy diet and quitting smoking.
As well as managing glucose levels can improve vascular health.
According to the study, older brains are linked to physical inactivity, diabetes, stroke, higher levels of inflammation, and higher blood glucose levels.
Indicating a combination of interrelated factors that have an impact.
There were some differences between men and women.
Where glucose levels made a bigger difference in men’s brain age, for instance—which the researchers are keen to follow up on in the future.
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Artificial Intelligence for Learning
The team used a deep learning artificial intelligence model to assess brain age from MRI scans.
It was previously trained on more than 18,000 scans of people without cognitive issues.
The brain age estimates were then compared with blood sample information.
Alongside data collected by researchers on various lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and cognitive tests.
