AI Reveals Key Predictors of Lifelong Brain Health
A new article from Neuroscience News explores how artificial intelligence is helping scientists better understand the key factors that shape brain health across the lifespan. Using machine learning, researchers identified which lifestyle and health variables most strongly influence cognitive performance, from focus and reaction speed to overall attention.
Key Highlights:
What the research shows: Among 374 adults aged 19 to 82, age, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) emerged as the strongest predictors of cognitive performance. Individuals with healthier blood pressure and lower BMI tended to perform better on attention and processing speed tasks.
Why it matters for brain health: While age is an unavoidable factor, this study shows that maintaining healthy cardiovascular function and body weight can meaningfully support brain performance. Even small improvements in diet and physical activity were linked to sharper focus and faster thinking, especially for those with elevated blood pressure or BMI.
A closer look at the science: By using machine learning, researchers were able to detect subtle interactions between health and lifestyle variables that traditional analyses might miss. This data-driven approach provides a more nuanced picture of how everyday habits influence cognitive resilience as we age.
This piece is a powerful reminder that brain health is shaped by the choices we make daily, from staying active and eating well to managing blood pressure and stress. Even modest lifestyle adjustments can add up to meaningful cognitive benefits over time.
