Those whose brains appeared older than their true age were more likely to die early and to be in worse physical and mental health, a study by Imperial College London found. The research found a way of predicting someone’s “brain age” that could help to spot those at risk of dying young. The study, piloted in Scotland, suggests using MRI scans to estimate a person’s brain age compared with their real age could also help to spot who might be at increased risk of poor health as they grow older. By combining MRI scans with machine learning algorithms, a team of neuroscientists trained computers to predict the age of a person’s brain based on their volume of brain tissue. Those with a brain age older than their real age also had weaker grip, lower lung capacity and slower walking speed.

Source: The Guardian April 25, 2017 23:03 UTC