Khaberni - Some lifestyle-related factors may help maintain a brain age "younger by 8 years" than it actually is, according to a recent study.
The study's results suggest that adhering to these lifestyle habits positively indicates brain aging in those suffering from chronic pain.
According to Mirror newspaper, a team from 3 universities in the United States analyzed data from over 100 individuals aged between 45 and85 years, who were followed for two years.
These participants were part of a larger-scale observational study on pain and the risk of osteoporosis, published in "Medical News Today".
5 positive factors
The researchers found that the most important 5 positive factors that help maintain brain youth are:
• Maintaining a healthy sleep pattern.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Avoiding smoking.
• Following effective stress management strategies.
• Maintaining positive social relationships.
Social factors more important than pain
The researchers said: "Our results suggest that despite the association between chronic pain and general brain structure, social, environmental, and behavioral/psychosocial factors play a more important role".
The results indicated other factors in the following order of impact that increase brain aging, which are: hearing loss, high cholesterol levels, depression, traumatic brain injuries, lack of physical activity, diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, and poor vision.
