Diet, pace of biological aging, and risk of dementia in the Framingham Heart Study
Aline Thomas1,2, Calen P Ryan3, Avshalom Caspi4
1Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Introduction:
We tested the hypothesis that healthy diet protects against dementia because it slows the pace of biological aging.
Methods:
We analyzed Framingham Offspring Cohort data (≥60y). We measured healthy diet using the Dietary Guideline for Americans (DGA, 3 visits 1991-2008), pace of aging using the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock (2005-2008), and incident dementia and mortality using records (compiled 2005-2018).
Results:
Of n=1,525 included participants (mean age 69.7, 54% female), n=129 developed dementia and n=432 died over follow-up. Greater DGA adherence was associated with slower DunedinPACE and reduced risks for dementia and mortality. Slower DunedinPACE was associated with reduced risks for dementia and mortality. Slower DunedinPACE accounted for 15% of the DGA association with dementia and 39% of the DGA association with mortality.
Discussion:
Findings suggest that slower pace of aging mediates part of the relationship of healthy diet with reduced dementia risk. Monitoring pace of aging may inform dementia prevention.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:30Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction