The upper limits of life expectancy | #29
Plus: bilingualism, Alzheimer's, loneliness, dementia, and more
Greetings—
This month it’s all about brain health. Below we have new studies on dementia and Alzheimer’s risk, the effects of THC on brain development, and more on the impact of loneliness.
Meanwhile, here at Dignity Integrative, we have a new piece on the integrative medicine approach to reducing chronic inflammation.
Now, let's dive into this month's recommendations:
#1: Life expectancy may be reaching upper limits
Contrary to much recent hopefulness (or some might say wishful thinking) on the subject, the possibility of living until 120 years old is not right around the corner.
As I often deliver the bad news to audiences, we are all going to die.
According to a recent paper published in Nature, the possibility of significant life extension (past 100 years of age) is unlikely in the near future. The analysis suggests that survival to age 100 years is unlikely to exceed 15% for females and 5% for males.
Unless the processes of biological aging can be markedly slowed, radical human life extension is implausible in this century. With the science of longevity continuing to explore different strategies to improve healthspan, the focus should be on maximizing the years we have, however long that time may be.
#2: Cannabis use in adolescence: Visible effects on brain structure
As the use of recreational marijuana becomes more accepted in society the risk associated with the timing of exposure and length of exposure needs to be further understood.
A recent study from the University of Montreal found that THC impacted the formation of the cerebral cortex both in mice and in adolescents before age 16. The kind of “cortical thinning” found in the study is often associated with an aging brain and risk for dementia.
A recent episode of the NYT podcast The Daily also summarized current known risks very well—recommended.
#3: Bilingualism may maintain protection against Alzheimer's
Speaking multiple languages appears to help protect your brain as you age, particularly against Alzheimer's disease.
New research from Concordia University found that bilingual people had more tissue in their brain's memory center (the hippocampus) compared to those who spoke one language—even after developing Alzheimer's.
While people who spoke one language showed brain shrinkage as cognitive decline progressed, bilingual people maintained their brain volume. This suggests that speaking multiple languages throughout life helps maintain brain health, similar to other lifestyle factors like a healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and good sensory health.
It's one example of how staying mentally and socially engaged can help protect cognitive function as we age, demonstrating the importance of taking a holistic, preventive approach to brain health rather than just treating symptoms after they appear.
#4: A meta-analysis of loneliness and risk of dementia
The importance of social connections, what I commonly refer to as your tribe, can’t be overstated.
Loneliness increases the risk of dementia by 31% in the largest meta-analysis performed on this topic, covering 600,000 participants in 21 studies. The results were made all the more visible as we experienced isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its impact on our elders and our children.
As a result of those learnings, researchers continue to explore the specifics of the impact of loneliness on mental health and the risk of cognitive decline.
My advice: intentionally build your tribe throughout your life.
#5: Brain endurance training improves physical performance
Is brain endurance training a thing?
As we age there is a natural decline in both overall physical ability as well as increasing risk for cognitive decline. This interesting study evaluated the concept of Brain Endurance Training (BET) using a combination of physical activity and cognitive training to improve overall fitness and performance as we age. Using a 45-minute mixed endurance and resistance training model for older (65-78 yo) female patients 3 times a week, half were given a 20-minute cognitive task to complete.
While both groups showed improvement those in the cognitive task group scored higher in overall cognitive and physical fitness on follow-up testing.