Nature medicine

Blood proteins connect brain and immune system aging with healthy lifespan and longevity

Updated

Abstract

Plasma proteomics data from 44,498 individuals identified aged organs as significant predictors of mortality risk.

  • Organ age estimates were influenced by lifestyle factors and medications.
  • An aged brain is associated with a (HR) of 3.1 for Alzheimer's disease, comparable to the genetic risk from one copy of APOE4.
  • A youthful brain (HR = 0.26) protects against Alzheimer's disease, akin to carrying two copies of APOE2, regardless of APOE genotype.
  • The risk of mortality increased with the number of aged organs: 2-4 aged organs (HR = 2.3), 5-7 aged organs (HR = 4.5), and 8+ aged organs (HR = 8.3).
  • Youthful brain and immune systems are linked to lower mortality risk (HR = 0.60 for a youthful brain, HR = 0.58 for a youthful immune system, and HR = 0.44 for both).

Simplified

Key numbers

3.1×
Increased Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Risk associated with having an aged brain.
8.3×
Mortality Risk Increase by Organ Aging
Risk associated with having 8+ aged organs.
0.26
Youthful Brain Protection
for risk of Alzheimer's disease with a youthful brain.

Full Text

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