A recent study published by researchers from Fudan University in China suggests that protein levels in the blood can indicate how the age of the brain relates to actual chronological age. The research, highlighted by New Scientist, builds on previous studies that explored blood biomarkers for brain aging, which were limited by small sample sizes of fewer than 1,000 participants.
To achieve a more accurate understanding, the team analyzed MRI data from nearly 11,000 adults in the UK Biobank. They developed an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm capable of estimating a person's age based on the size of brain regions and the connections between them, achieving an accuracy of 2.7 years.
The researchers then applied this algorithm to another group of 4,700 individuals with an average age of 63. The difference between actual and estimated ages could potentially predict the dynamics of brain aging, leading to a comparative analysis of the results.
Furthermore, the difference between brain age and chronological age was correlated with the number of proteins identified in blood samples. The study identified eight proteins whose levels increased and five that decreased as the difference between estimated and actual age grew.
These proteins are produced by the brain, as confirmed by previous research, suggesting that blood tests could help predict aging dynamics. This information may also provide insights into risks for stroke and dementia. Importantly, protein levels can be influenced by lifestyle changes, making blood tests a potential first step in preventive measures.