Longevity: Risk factors that can change brain age by 20 years

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Longevity is influenced by several factors, but a less obvious cause is dementia. The degree of cognitive impairment at the time of diagnosis affects life expectancy. New findings show that preventing risk factors can make a 20-year difference in a person's brain age.

There is no right way to achieve longevity, but avoiding disease is a logical starting point. Among the diseases to be avoided is dementia, which is the leading cause of death in many Western countries. Having multiple risk factors for the disease can lead to a 20-year difference in a person's brain age, according to new data.

Results from a new report suggest that lifestyle factors may be more important than age in determining an individual's risk of developing dementia.

Lifestyle factors may be more important than age in determining a person's level of cognitive function. This is great news because there is much you can do to change these factors, such as controlling diabetes, reversing hearing loss and getting the support you need to quit smoking. “Longevity was affected by eight different risk factors for cognitive decline, including low education, hearing loss , traumatic brain injury, alcohol or substance abuse, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and depression.

Start addressing any risk factors you have now, whether you're 18 or 90 and you support your brain health to help you age fearlessly. Avoiding risk factors is vital to reducing the risk of dementia, but there are additional steps you can take to keep your brain healthy.