Brain Longevity

Brain longevity is the maintenance of cognitive health and function throughout the ageing process. It is a complex outcome influenced by genetics, lifestyle and social environment.

Genetics

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified genetic variants associated with ageing-related traits. Notably, a GWAS on cognitive resilience in the UK Biobank identified thirteen independent genetic loci associated with this trait. At a genome-wide level, resilience was correlated with multiple cognitive phenotypes, brain imaging measures, and brain disorders.

Social Determinants

Socioeconomic status (SES) and education are linked to healthier lifestyles and cognitively stimulating environments, which contribute to better cognitive and social function. Conversely, lower SES can lead to higher chronic stress, which has detrimental effects on mental and physical health.

Lifestyle Factors

Nutrition and exercise are crucial for healthy ageing and modulating age-related diseases. Physical activity is associated with increased quality of life and protective properties against age-related diseases, suggesting benefits for cognitive health.

Mental Health and Psychological Factors

Subjective well-being (SWB), encompassing hedonic (pleasure, absence of pain) and eudaimonic (meaning, purpose) aspects, is associated with biological markers of ageing and is considered important for healthy ageing.

Microbiome-Based Therapeutics

The gut microbiome influences various aspects of health, with a significant portion dedicated to the gut-brain axis and its implications for cognitive function and neurodegenerative diseases. This is directly relevant to brain longevity, as maintaining cognitive health is a cornerstone of successful ageing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, brain longevity is a multifaceted concept influenced by various factors, including genetics, social determinants, lifestyle, mental health, and microbiome-based therapeutics. Understanding these factors and their interactions is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote healthy brain ageing and cognitive function throughout life.