New Study: Blood Biological Age Can Predict Dementia Risk
A new study published by the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that a person’s biological age, determined through a blood test, can serve as a strong indicator for predicting future dementia risk.
Researchers from the UK analysed data from the UK Biobank involving over 223,000 participants, measuring blood metabolites—small molecules linked to fat processing, inflammation, and energy use—to assess biological age compared to chronological age.
The study used a metric called MileAge delta, the difference between metabolite-predicted age and actual age. Higher MileAge delta scores indicate blood profiles appearing older than chronological age, while lower scores suggest a younger biological profile.
Findings showed that elevated MileAge delta strongly correlates with increased risk of various dementias, including vascular dementia, early-onset dementia, and unspecified dementia, with the strongest link observed in vascular dementia.
Dr Julian Mutz, a researcher at King’s College London, noted that while genetic risk is difficult to alter, metabolic ageing (biological age) is modifiable. This means the risk can be reduced through clinical interventions or lifestyle changes.
Although the study lists recommended steps to slow biological ageing and lower dementia risk, specific measures were not detailed. Mutz emphasised that dementia is not an inevitable consequence of ageing and can potentially be delayed or prevented by modifying risk factors, including biological age.
The researchers acknowledged limitations: the observational study shows correlation, not causation, and UK Biobank data predominantly consists of healthier, European-descended participants.
Senior medical analyst Dr Marc Siegel added that the study underscores the importance of healthspan—healthy living years—over total lifespan, highlighting that chronic conditions like obesity and hypertension strongly correlate with vascular dementia risk, especially when combined with genetic factors.
Currently, the MileAge biomarker requires further validation before widespread clinical use. (Fox/I-2)