Quick version
Higher biological age may be linked to stroke and dementia
A study from Karolinska Institutet shows that people whose biological age is higher than their chronological (actual) age are at significantly greater risk of developing diseases such as stroke and dementia. The study is based on data from over 325,000 individuals in the UK Biobank database and has analyzed the relationship between biomarkers and neurodegenerative diseases over a nine-year period.
The result? If your biological age is five years higher than your actual age, the risk of vascular dementia or ischemic stroke increases by a whopping 40 percent.
But what exactly is biological age and how do you find out?
Unlike chronological age – that is, the number of years you have lived – biological age reflects the internal state of the body. It is calculated using biomarkers such as:
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Blood fats
- Lung function
- BMI
- Inflammation levels
Together, these values provide a picture of how the body is feeling and functioning right now. In other words, you may be 50 years old according to your passport, but your body may have a health condition similar to that of a 40- or 60-year-old – depending on lifestyle, genetics and environmental factors.
- Today we see a growing interest in understanding the true biological aging. There are several methods and models used to estimate biological age, but it is important not to stare blindly at a single number, says Erik Lind, doctor and medical director at Testmottagningen.se.
A path to preventive health
The purpose of measuring biological age is not to create concern, but rather to open up opportunities for preventive measures. Many of the biomarkers that form the basis of the calculation can be influenced by:
- Diet – for example, by reducing sugar, trans fats and processed foods
- Exercise – regular physical activity improves blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
- Sleep and recovery – insufficient sleep can accelerate biological aging
- Stress management – chronic stress negatively affects inflammation levels and hormone balance
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption – two of the most effective ways to improve your long-term health
Disease risks vary
The study also found an increased risk of ALS in people with higher biological age, but not the same clear link for Parkinson's disease. This suggests that different diseases can be affected by aging in different ways.
Can I influence my biological age?
Yes, of course! Many of the biomarkers that affect your biological age are directly linked to lifestyle. Here are some factors that can lower your biological age:
- Cost: nutritious food, less sugar and processed foods.
- Exercise and training: regular physical activity.
- Sleep: sufficient and restorative rest.
- Stress management: mindfulness, recovery, balance.
- Alcohol and tobacco: less is better.
By making small changes, you can slow down the aging of your body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The future of health checks?
Measuring biological age is still something that is mainly done in a research context, but the technology is becoming increasingly accessible to the public – not least through advanced blood analyses. When you order a health check with us, the biomarkers used in the calculation of biological age are analyzed, but you can also order a referral for Biological age separately - Read more about here.
- There is a strength and several positive advantages in being able to follow your biomarkers over time. It can motivate change and create a greater understanding of how your lifestyle affects the body over time, says Erik Lind.
Through increased insight, you get a concrete measure of your personal health status, while we can also detect hidden risks that may not always be visible during traditional health checks.