Biological Age Predicts Dementia Risk Better Than Chronological Age

A new study from Zhengzhou University in China has revealed that biological age, which measures how well the body is functioning, can be a stronger predictor of dementia risk than chronological age. The research, published in the journal Neurology, tracked 280,918 individuals with an average age of 57 over a 14-year period using data from the UK Biobank. The findings indicated that faster biological aging was associated with a 14% to 15% higher risk of developing dementia.

Lead researcher Dr. Yacong Bo emphasized the importance of identifying risk factors and implementing preventive measures to combat the rising impact of dementia globally. While chronological age cannot be changed, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can influence biological age. The study used two metrics to assess biological aging: the Klemera–Doubal Method Biological Age (KDM-BA), which relies on blood test results, and PhenoAge, which utilizes clinical data related to aging and mortality. For each increase in the rate of biological aging, as measured by these metrics, the risk of dementia rose.

Dr. Bo noted that changes in brain structures, such as gray matter volume, cortical thickness, and surface area, partially explain the association between advanced biological age and dementia. These findings support the hypothesis that advanced biological age may contribute to the development of dementia by causing widespread changes in brain structures.

According to a February 2025 report by the National Institutes of Health, more than 6 million Americans are living with dementia, which results in about 100,000 deaths annually. Although the prevalence of dementia has declined by 13% per decade due to better education, heart health, and lifestyle improvements, the total number of cases is increasing as the population ages. This trend places additional pressure on the healthcare system. In 2020, the global number of people with dementia was 55 million, and it is projected to reach 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050, according to the non-profit Alzheimer’s Disease International.

Experts highlight that tracking biological age enhances our understanding of health and aging, enabling the early identification of disease risks like dementia. Dr. John Thomson Smith, senior medical advisor at AI-powered longevity research network Rejuve AI, stated that focusing on biological age provides a more accurate and personalized understanding of an individual’s health. This approach can guide tailored treatment plans in clinical settings and offer personalized wellness recommendations to improve quality of life and longevity.

Smith explained that biological age reflects an individual's true health state, influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Researchers are exploring novel approaches to find cures for dementia, including gene therapies, advanced drugs, and artificial intelligence for early detection through brain imaging and biological age tracking. Professor of cardiology and medicine at northwestern University, Dr. Sadiya Khan, previously noted the multi-system benefits of these drugs, which target diabetes, heart health, and brain health simultaneously.