Press Release: Study Links Short Telomere Length to Increased Risk of Stroke, Dementia, and Depression in Aging Adults
A recent study published in Neurology® has revealed a concerning association between short leukocyte telomere length—a biomarker of aging—and an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. The research, conducted with 356,173 participants from the UK with an average age of 56, found that individuals with shorter telomeres exhibited a significantly higher incidence of these age-related brain diseases. Specifically, those with the shortest telomeres experienced 5.82 cases per 1,000 person-years, compared to just 3.92 cases for those with the longest telomeres.
However, the good news is that participants who maintained healthy lifestyle habits—such as a balanced diet, low cholesterol, and regular exercise—did not demonstrate this increased risk, suggesting that positive health choices may mitigate the impact of biological aging.
Study author Dr. Christopher D. Anderson from Harvard Medical School emphasized the importance of addressing risk factors, stating, "Healthy lifestyle behaviors could delay the aging of our cells and reduce the frequency of these diseases." The research highlights that even in individuals showing signs of biological aging, improving health behaviors can be crucial for brain health.
The study utilized a modified Brain Care Score to assess participants’ health habits, revealing that those with high scores were not at a greater risk, even with shorter telomeres. While the study’s findings are promising, it is important to note that it primarily involved individuals of European ancestry, which may limit generalizability to other populations.
The research was supported by significant institutions, including the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health, underscoring the importance of understanding biological aging and its relationship to brain health.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
