Patients show signs of brain aging.
A study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed that people with sickle cell disease may experience accelerated brain aging, which is linked to cognitive challenges such as memory and focus difficulties. The research suggests that these patients’ brains appear to be an average of 14 years older than their actual age, which could explain the struggles they face in cognitive functions. The study also found that those with older-looking brains tend to score lower on cognitive assessments.
The research involved MRI brain scans of 230 young adults from the St. Louis area, including 123 individuals with sickle cell disease. The results showed that sickle cell patients have signs of premature brain aging. The study also compared brain aging in those from lower-income households, revealing that these individuals also exhibited older brain ages, even without sickle cell disease. The study noted that economic hardship could also contribute to cognitive difficulties.
Dr. Andria Ford, the study’s lead researcher, explained that chronic illnesses like sickle cell disease and socioeconomic factors such as poverty could disrupt normal brain development. The lack of oxygen in the brains of individuals with sickle cell disease is thought to play a role in premature aging. Similarly, the stress and environmental factors associated with poverty might negatively affect brain development as well.
The research team used a computer program, DeepBrainNet, to analyze the MRI scans and determine the participants’ “brain age.” The study showed that sickle cell patients, on average, had brains that were 14 years older than expected for their age. Additionally, individuals living in poverty showed brain ages that were on average seven years older than their actual age, with greater poverty leading to more significant brain aging.
The researchers hope their findings will lead to further exploration into potential treatments and interventions for those with sickle cell disease and those affected by economic hardship. Understanding how both chronic illness and socioeconomic status affect brain health could help develop strategies to preserve cognitive function and improve quality of life for affected individuals.
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