New research from the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute shows that the way you live your life could be aging your brain faster than you think.

The study found a link between lifestyle habits that increase the risk of dementia and early signs of brain aging, even before any symptoms of cognitive decline appear.

Dr. Thomas Pace, the lead researcher, explained that factors like diet, sleep, and physical activity seem to affect the brain’s health long before dementia becomes noticeable.

“The study wasn’t long-term, so we can’t say for sure that lifestyle choices directly cause early brain aging,” Dr. Pace said.

“But we do see a clear relationship.”

The researchers used an online tool called CogDrisk to calculate each participant’s dementia risk based on their lifestyle and habits.

This tool, created by Neuroscience Research Australia and the University of New South Wales, focused only on lifestyle-related risks by excluding factors like age, sex, and education.

Participants then underwent brain scans and tests to measure two important markers of brain health:

1. White matter volume, which helps with communication between different parts of the brain.
2. Balance of electrical activity, a newer marker that measures how well the brain maintains its functions.

The study revealed that people with higher dementia risk—due to poor lifestyle choices—had lower white matter volume and more imbalances in their brain’s electrical activity. These changes are early indicators of brain aging.

Dementia is on track to become the leading cause of death in Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

But the good news is that many of the factors affecting brain health are modifiable, meaning you can change them. This makes it possible to reduce your risk of dementia and slow brain aging with better lifestyle decisions.

Dr. Sophie Andrews, co-author of the study and leader of the Thompson Institute’s Healthy Brain Aging Program, emphasized the importance of taking action early. “The great thing about modifiable risk factors is that you can make changes to protect your brain,” she said. “And the sooner you start, the better.”

Here are some practical ways to lower your dementia risk:

• Eat a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, leafy greens, fish, and nuts.
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
• Stay active with regular physical exercise.
• Stay socially connected, spending time with friends and family.

Think of your brain as a canvas, and your daily choices as paint.

The picture isn’t set yet—the paint is still wet, and you have the power to create a healthier future for your brain.

If you care about brain health, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and Omega-3 fats and carotenoid supplements could improve memory.

For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.

Source: University of the Sunshine Coast.