The risk of dementia rises as the brain ages. One reason is that connections between brain cells weaken over time. Diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s and stroke, can speed this up, eventually leading to dementia, a loss of mental abilities and a loss of independence.
Scientists can now estimate a person’s brain age from brain scans, and compare it with their actual age. This difference, known as the brain-age gap, can predict who is more likely to see faster mental decline and go on to develop dementia. One study followed around 39,000 people and found exactly that link. The good news is that lifestyle changes – stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol and exercising regularly – can slow this decline.
