That takes brains!
There's a new Stanford Medicine study that analyzed the levels of around 3,000 proteins in the blood of 44,000 folks to assess the biological (as opposed to chronological) age of 11 of their organ systems, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
The biological age of the brain turned out to have the strongest link to future health outcomes. Over a 15-year stretch, folks with notably biologically aged brains were 300% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and had a 182% increased risk of death. That's because the aging brain is linked to neurodegeneration, inflammation, and reduced resilience across other organ systems. In contrast, folks with youthful brains slashed their risk of death over the same time period by 40%.
I've dedicated my life to determining the most effective anti-aging steps you can take and to exploring cutting-edge research that enhances longevity, such as therapeutic plasma exchange. My favorite ways to prevent premature brain aging are:
1. Ditch red and processed red meats and added sugars for a plant-based diet rich in healthy fats.
2. Get 10,000 steps a day or step equivalents and do two strength-building workouts every week.
3. Cultivate a posse and embrace a purpose. Keep learning and find meaning in what you do every day.
4. Manage stress with a posse, purpose, and play. And add speed-of-processing games, meditation, and a healthy sleep routine.
Laugh, love, explore, discover -- and repeat! Join me on the journey at LongevityPlaybook.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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