Brain clocks capture diversity and disparities in aging and dementia
A study of 5,306 participants across 15 countries found that Latin American and Caribbean populations have older brain ages than non-LAC, influenced by socioeconomic factors and health disparities.
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Brain clocks, which measure the difference between brain age and chronological age, have been utilized to explore the disparities in aging and dementia across diverse populations. A study analyzed data from 5,306 participants across 15 countries, including seven from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and eight from non-LAC regions. The research employed deep learning techniques on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) data to assess brain-age gaps. Findings indicated that LAC populations exhibited older brain ages compared to non-LAC counterparts, with socioeconomic factors, pollution, and health disparities significantly influencing these gaps. The study revealed a progression in brain-age gaps from healthy individuals to those with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, with notable differences between sexes, particularly in LAC. The research highlights the importance of considering geographical and sociodemographic diversity in understanding brain health and aging, emphasizing the need for more inclusive studies that address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented populations. The integration of fMRI and EEG data presents a promising avenue for developing scalable brain-age markers, which could enhance our understanding of neurocognitive disorders.
- Brain clocks can quantify brain aging disparities across diverse populations.
- LAC populations show older brain ages influenced by socioeconomic and health disparities.
- The study found a progression in brain-age gaps from healthy to dementia-affected individuals.
- Significant sex differences in brain aging were observed, particularly in LAC.
- The research underscores the need for inclusive studies on brain health in underrepresented populations.
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