Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Symmetric Bihemispheric Postmortem Brain Cutting to Study Healthy and Pathological Brain Conditions in Humans
Published on: December 18, 2016
Lower socioeconomic status is associated with premature brain aging
Natalie Busby1, Sarah Newman-Norlund1, Sara Sayers1
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
Background:
Premature age-related brain changes may be influenced by physical health factors. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is often associated with poorer physical health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between SES and premature brain aging.
Methods:
Brain age was estimated from T1-weighted images using BrainAgeR in 217 participants from the ABC@UofSC Repository. The difference between brain and chronological age (BrainGAP) was calculated. Multiple regression models were used to predict BrainGAP with age, SES, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, sex, race, and education as predictors. SES was calculated from size-adjusted household income and the cost of living.
Results:
Fifty-five participants (25.35%) had greater brain age than chronological age (premature brain aging). Multiple regression models revealed that age, sex, and SES were significant predictors of BrainGAP with lower SES associated with greater BrainGAP (premature brain aging).
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates that lower SES is an independent contributor to premature brain aging. This may provide additional insight into the mechanisms associated with brain health, cognition, and resilience to neurological injury.
Related Concept Videos
Aging
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...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Biological Influences on Intelligence
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

