- A new study indicates that metabolic syndrome, a combination of risk factors such as high blood sugar and blood pressure, may significantly accelerate brain ageing.
- Researchers analysed data from 27,375 UK Biobank participants, utilising MRI scans and machine learning to estimate the 'brain-age gap' compared to chronological age.
- The findings revealed that individuals with metabolic syndrome had brains that appeared notably older than expected, with the ageing effect increasing with the number of metabolic syndrome components present.
- The study identified three metabolites – GlycA (a marker of inflammation), the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (indicating atherosclerosis), and certain fatty acids – as partially explaining the link to accelerated brain ageing.
- All five components of metabolic syndrome are modifiable through lifestyle choices like regular exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep, suggesting that managing these factors can help protect brain health.
source & further reading
independent.co.uk — original article
OpenAI apologises for hacking Australian health data and pledges funding for cyber defences
How AI could help screen for type 2 diabetes in seconds
AI summaries can warp your memory, study warns