Narrowing Biological Age Gap Linked to Better Brain Health

Study finds reducing difference between biological and chronological age reduces stroke risk and improves MRI markers.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 8:19am

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New research suggests that narrowing the gap between an individual's biological and chronological age is linked to better brain health, including a 23% reduced stroke risk. Investigators assessed biological age acceleration (BAA) in nearly 260,000 adults and found that participants who narrowed this age gap had lower white matter hyperintensity volumes on MRI and were less likely to experience stroke during follow-up.

Why it matters

This study provides evidence that biological age is a modifiable factor that can influence long-term neurological outcomes. By targeting biological aging, clinicians may be able to help preserve brain health and reduce the risk of conditions like stroke and dementia as populations continue to age.

The details

Researchers used a biological age measure called KdmAge, derived from 18 common blood biomarkers, to assess BAA in a large UK Biobank cohort at baseline and again about 6 years later. A subset of participants then underwent brain imaging and cognitive assessments around 10 years after baseline. The results showed that higher baseline BAA was associated with poorer MRI profiles, cognitive metrics, and increased stroke risk. Importantly, improvements in BAA were linked to lower white matter hyperintensity volumes, reduced ventricular volumes, and a lower risk of ischemic and any stroke, independent of other risk factors.

  • The study was conducted over approximately 10 years, with baseline assessments, a 6-year follow-up, and brain imaging/cognitive testing around the 10-year mark.
  • The findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2026 Annual Meeting in April.

The players

Cyprien Rivier, MD

Lead investigator and researcher at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut.

Glen R. Finney, MD

Director of the Memory and Cognition Program at Geisinger Health System and professor of neurology at Geisinger College of Health Sciences in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

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What they’re saying

“The important point is that we're not just looking at a snapshot. We're showing that the trajectory of biological aging is associated with meaningful differences in brain outcomes a decade later.”

— Cyprien Rivier, MD

“It's exciting to think that working to modify our biological age could be a pathway to preserving brain health.”

— Cyprien Rivier, MD

“You can keep fairly youthful much longer than the time on the clock would make you believe — but you have to work at it.”

— Glen R. Finney, MD, Director of the Memory and Cognition Program at Geisinger Health System and professor of neurology at Geisinger College of Health Sciences

What’s next

Researchers are working to identify which specific biomarkers in the biological age score may drive the brain-specific associations, and to establish causal links between biological age and brain health outcomes.

The takeaway

This study provides compelling evidence that targeting biological aging could be a promising approach to preserving brain health and reducing the risk of conditions like stroke and dementia as populations continue to age. Simple lifestyle factors like healthy eating, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity may help influence biological aging and should be emphasized by clinicians.