A new study published in the journal Brain Communications has shown that several simple lifestyle changes could be the key to slower brain aging and a healthier heart.
The study included a prospective observational cohort of 128 adults in the U.S. More than half of the participants reported some level of knee pain and were at risk for osteoarthritis. During the study, lifestyle and behavioral information was collected about the participants, including factors like education, income, smoking status, life outlook, stress, sleep, and more. Participants also completed an MRI scan two years into the study. These MRIs were used to estimate a “brain age” for each participant. By comparing estimated brain ages to actual ages, the researchers were able to get a measure of each participant’s brain health. Using this measurement, they could see which lifestyle and behavioral patterns were related to brain health and overall health.
The results showed that certain lifestyle factors were correlated with brains that appeared older, including low income, chronic pain, less education, and social disadvantages. However, these effects decreased over time. Stronger and longer-lasting factors that improved brain health included getting high-quality sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and maintaining strong social relationships. Interestingly, all of these behaviors are also tied to better heart health as we age.
An author of the study noted that the results across multiple studies are clear: healthier behaviors lead to less pain and better overall health over time, with healthy behaviors boosting health in an additive fashion. Evidence increasingly shows that lifestyle factors, such as prioritizing sleep, minimizing stress, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining social relationships, are likely to have a major impact on your brain and heart health throughout your lifetime.
Sources: Brain Communications, Science Daily
