Cell Aging Marker Linked to Higher Risk of Brain Diseases, Study Finds

New research suggests that the length of telomeres - protective caps on chromosomes that naturally shorten with age - may serve as an important indicator for the risk of developing major brain diseases. The preliminary findings, presented at the upcoming American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025, analyzed data from more than 356,000 participants in the UK Biobank.

The study found that individuals with the shortest telomeres in their white blood cells faced significantly higher risks of serious conditions: an 8% increased risk of stroke, 19% higher risk of dementia, and 14% greater risk of late-life depression. Overall, those with the shortest telomeres had an 11% higher risk of developing at least one of these age-related brain diseases.

Importantly, while shorter telomeres correlate with these conditions, the research found no evidence that telomere length directly causes these diseases. Instead, telomere length appears to serve as a marker of underlying biological stress and aging processes that may contribute to these conditions.

The findings have significant implications for preventive medicine and public health. People with higher Brain Care Scores, indicating healthier lifestyle choices, showed no increased risk of brain diseases despite having shorter telomeres. This suggests that lifestyle modifications could potentially offset the risks associated with shorter telomeres.

Dr. Tamara N. Kimball, lead researcher from Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes that while telomere length measurement isn't yet recommended for standard practice, it could eventually help identify individuals who need more intensive monitoring or preventive measures. The research points to the potential value of focusing on modifiable lifestyle factors rather than developing drugs to alter telomere length directly.