It's a sobering thought, but the reality is that certain lifestyle factors can accelerate this process. Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified three key factors that age the brain faster, delving into how these risk factors target the brain's weak spots. Understanding these factors can empower you to make lifestyle changes that protect your cognitive health.

Key points:

• Diabetes, air pollution, and alcohol intake are the top three risk factors for faster brain aging.

• Other modifiable factors include blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, smoking, depressive mood, inflammation, hearing, sleep, social patterns, relationships, diet, physical activity, and education status.

• Genetics also play a role, but lifestyle can influence gene expression.

Research reveals the top three brain aging risk factors

In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers analyzed the brain scans of around 40,000 people over age 45 from the UK Biobank database. They focused on how lifestyle and genetic factors impact specific areas of the brain that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of aging and Alzheimer's disease.

The three biggest risk factors identified were:

1. Diabetes: Past research shows that having Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of dementia by 60%.

2. Air pollution: Exposure to pollution over time raises dementia risk.

3. Alcohol frequency: Sustained heavy drinking increased the risk of dementia by 8%, while limiting alcohol consumption lowered the risk by 8%.

These factors target the brain's weak spots, accelerating degeneration and cognitive decline.

Other modifiable factors to consider
In addition to the top three, researchers also looked at several other modifiable factors:

• Blood pressure: Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to cognitive decline.

• Cholesterol: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of stroke and cognitive impairment.

• Weight: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of dementia.

• Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline.

• Depressive mood: Chronic stress and depression can accelerate brain aging.

• Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can damage brain cells.

• Hearing: Untreated hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of dementia.

• Sleep: Poor sleep quality and quantity can affect cognitive function.

• Social patterns and relationships: Social isolation and lack of meaningful connections can increase dementia risk.