Biological Age May Predict Dementia Risk—Here's Why a Plant-Based Diet Could Help Slow It Down

Dementia is a growing public health concern in the US, with more than six million Americans currently living with the condition. A new study published in Neurology suggests that individuals with a higher biological age than their chronological age might be more likely to develop dementia. Biological age can be influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress levels, and smoking. By adopting healthy habits, individuals may be able to reduce their biological age and potentially lower their risk of developing dementia. Eating a plant-based diet, rich in nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, has been shown to reduce biological age in some studies.

Research from Stanford University and Italy's IRCCS Neuromed has suggested that those who follow a plant-based diet may experience a reduction in biological age. Conversely, a high consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to accelerated aging. The Blue Zones, areas where people live healthy lives well into their old age, have diets low in meat and high in plant-based foods. By adopting a plant-based diet and making other healthy lifestyle choices, individuals may be able to lower their biological age and potentially reduce their risk of developing dementia.