Context People with a high brain age die more often early

Experts find a link between brain age and premature death
Again and again doctors are looking for ways to predict premature deaths. Researchers have now found that an analysis of the so-called age of the human brain, the risk of premature death can be found.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found in their study that a determination of the age of our brain can help experts predict the likelihood of premature death. The doctors published a press release on the results of their study.

Through so-called MRI scans, researchers have been able to determine the age of the brain. Based on the results, the risk of premature death can then be predicted. (Image: Nomad_Soul / fotolia.com)

High age of the brain leads to poorer physical and mental health
If the brain of humans is older than their actual age, they are at an increased risk of dying prematurely. Such people also generally have poorer physical and mental health, explain the experts.

Volume of the brain suggests age
For their work, the scientists used a combination of MRI scans with machine learning algorithms to estimate the so-called brain age of a person compared to their real age. Based on the volume of brain tissue, it is possible that the age of the brain is detected, the researchers say. This can predict a possible future risk of premature death or poorer health, the authors explain.

People with increased brain age often die before the age of 80
In a test on a group of older adults from Scotland, it was found that the greater the difference between the computer-generated brain age and the actual age, the greater the probability that the person will die before the age of 80 years. In addition, people with an older brain age had lower lung capacity and slower walking speed.

Results can lead to a lifestyle change
In the future, the new technique could be used by medical professionals to determine if a patient has a healthy brain age or if the age is too advanced. Similar to the Body Mass Index (BMI), results can then be used to change their lifestyle by counseling patients.

On the internet, the age of the heart can be determined by a test
The age of our organs affects our overall life expectancy. For example, smokers should have lungs that are already 20 years older than those affected, say the experts. There is now even the possibility that people answer online questionnaires about exercise and diet, so as to get an estimate of the age of their heart.

Currently, the tests are still too inaccurate and too expensive
However, there is currently a need for more fine-tuning to increase accuracy before the new method can be used as a screening tool, the authors of the study explain. At present there is an error limit of about five years in the results. In addition, MRI scans are currently still too expensive as a screening tool, the researchers add. The doctors hope that these costs will be reduced in the future.

Further research is needed
In the long run, it would be great if the prediction became accurate enough to test the individual risk of individuals. At the moment, however, this method is not accurate enough to be used on an individual level in this way, the researchers add. (As)