Healthy habits help the brain age more slowly

The University of Florida has tested which factors most influence the rate of brain aging. The study involved 128 middle-aged and elderly adults. Almost all of them had chronic pain, most often associated with osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Each participant underwent an MRI scan, and then, using machine learning algorithms, the so-called “brain age” was calculated and compared with the real one. The difference between these indicators has become an indicator of the general state of the nervous system.

Negative conditions like low income, chronic stress, and pain were associated with an older brain. But the main finding was protective factors: adequate sleep, optimism, a healthy weight, tobacco withdrawal, coping skills, and support from family and friends.

People who reported more of these habits had brains about eight years younger than the passport age at the start of the study. And for two years, their brains continued to age more slowly compared to others.

The authors note: these things are controllable. Optimism can be trained, sleep can be adjusted, stress can be learned to perceive differently. Even small changes add up and eventually have a tangible effect.

As experts explained, a healthy lifestyle helps not only the body, but also the brain. Accumulating small improvements can actually slow down the processes that lead to memory loss and increase the risk of dementia.

Although the work has focused on people with chronic pain, the findings themselves go beyond that. According to the authors, protective factors will also work in other population groups. The meaning of the discoveries is simple: lifestyle is also a medicine. And the more healthy habits a person includes in their life, the more likely they are to maintain mental clarity and activity for many years to come.