A new study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference suggests that shorter protective chromosome caps, known as telomeres, may be associated with higher risks of age-related brain diseases. Researchers analyzed data from more than 356,000 participants in the UK Biobank, examining the relationship between leukocyte telomere length and the development of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. The study found that individuals with the shortest telomeres had an 8% higher risk of stroke, a 19% higher risk of dementia, and a 14% higher risk of late-life depression.
Dr. Tamara N. Kimball, a postdoctoral research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, noted that while telomere length might not directly cause these conditions, it could serve as a marker of underlying biological processes and cellular stress. Significantly, the research revealed that lifestyle factors play a crucial role in mitigating potential risks. Participants with a high Brain Care Score, indicating healthier lifestyle choices, showed no increased risk of age-related brain diseases despite shorter telomeres. The study highlights the importance of modifiable lifestyle factors in potentially counteracting the effects of cellular aging. Researchers suggest that adopting healthier behaviors might lower the negative impacts associated with shorter telomeres.
However, the study has limitations. It focused exclusively on people of European ancestry and measured telomere length at a single point in time. More extensive research is needed to fully understand the complex dynamics of cellular aging and its relationship to brain health. Dr. Costantino Iadecola, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that they demonstrate how the aging process directly impacts the risk of major age-related brain diseases. The research provides valuable insights into the potential predictive power of telomere length and underscores the importance of proactive health management in aging populations. For more information about the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference, visit https://professional.heart.org/en/meetings/international-stroke-conference.
