Khaberni - The journal Brain Communications published the results of a study showing the impact of diseases and daily lifestyle on brain aging.
The journal pointed out that the study conducted by scientists from the American University of Florida revealed that optimism, good sleep, social support, the ability to handle stress, and also diseases, all influence the health of the brain and its biological age unrelated to a person's actual age.
A total of 128 individuals, both young and elderly, participated in the study, some of whom suffered from painful diseases such as arthritis. Over the course of two years, researchers monitored the social and health status of the participants, their "brain age," and compared their health condition and brain state with their actual age. It was found that individuals who suffer from chronic pain experienced faster brain aging, while those who are optimistic and follow a healthy lifestyle had brains that were biologically younger by an average of eight years compared to others, and their brains aged more slowly.
Scientists also found that stress and financial troubles are all factors that accelerate brain aging, while psychological rest, receiving social support, and having a comfortable life improve brain health and protect it from early aging. Moreover, maintaining a healthy weight, regular and deep sleep, and not smoking all help preserve brain health and protect us from memory loss and dementia.
Researchers affirm that healthy habits can be developed at any age, and every additional action - whether improving sleep or learning to handle stress - yields tangible benefits for the brain.
