High glucose and inflammation linked to faster brain aging and increased dementia risk, study finds

A study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that high glucose levels and inflammation can accelerate brain aging, increasing dementia risk. Researchers analyzed brain images of 739 healthy individuals aged 70 using AI to estimate biological brain age. The study linked diabetes, stroke, and inflammation to older-looking brains. In contrast, regular exercise was associated with younger brain appearances. MRI scans and blood tests were conducted to assess health factors and cognitive abilities. The average estimated brain age was 71 years, regardless of chronological age. Researchers emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy blood vessels to protect brain health. Future research will explore gender differences in resilience building.