Many times we can tell the passage of years just by looking in the mirror. But what we don’t see is how quickly we age on the inside. Thus, we often end up asking ourselves the question: how do you calculate the real age of the brain. Find out how different this can be compared to your biological age.
How you can calculate the real age of your brain
Several doctors have developed a test with which you can find out the real age of your brain. It is based on a certain number of questions related to lifestyle, fitness, smoking, alcohol consumption, cholesterol and weight.
All these factors can increase the risk of developing dementia later in life, mainly affecting the brain. This new calculator has been developed by Public Health England and is designed to encourage us to engage in healthy habits.
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This computerized test is to be tested by doctors and to be offered to middle-aged patients. PHE’s head of dementia, Charles Alessi, told The Mirror that the program is voluntary. Doctors have also performed more health checks to be able to expand the area they can cover with this test.
“We are giving people an opportunity to know exactly how risk factors can influence the rate of decline in their cognitive functions. Dementia is a whole group of conditions and we can manage some of the risks,” says Charles Alessi, head of PHE, according to The Mirror.
The test below can tell you the age of your brain
The test with which you can find out the age of your brain
Another test, quite similar to this one, was previously developed by Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, clinical professor of neurology at the University of Southern California. This test can diagnose dementia , but it can also give an indication of ‘brain age’. Here are the 25 questions that help to find out the age of the brain.
- I get seven or more hours of sleep every night.
- I eat at least five or more servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables daily (citrus, green peppers, spinach, broccoli, apples, tomatoes, kale).
- I eat at least one serving of blueberries, raspberries or blackberries every day.
- I eat baked or grilled fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and mackerel) at least three times a week.
- I take fish oil supplements high in omega-3 fatty acids or flaxseed supplements at least five times a week.
- I take folic acid supplements along with my daily multivitamin.
- I take a small dose of aspirin daily, which studies suggest may slow brain decline by maintaining blood flow to the brain.
- I drink red wine or grape juice at least five times a week.
- I exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes each time.
- I read challenging books, do crosswords or Sudoku, or engage in activities that require active learning,
- memorization, calculation, analysis and problem solving at least five times a week.
- My total cholesterol is less than 5 millimoles per liter (mmol/l).
- My LDL cholesterol is less than 3 mmol/l (your GP or nurse can do a cholesterol test and will take a blood sample either with a syringe or a finger prick).
- I have the “longevity genes” in my family, with members who have lived into their 80s and beyond without memory loss.
- I am not obese (less than 1.4 kg extra for a woman; less than 1.5 kg extra for a man).
- I eat a Mediterranean diet (high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and olive oil as a fat source; little red meat).
- I use olive oil and trans fat-free spreads instead of butter or margarine.
- I have never smoked cigarettes.
- I have normal blood pressure.
- I don’t have diabetes.
- I don’t have metabolic syndrome (the medical term for a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity).
- I do not have a sleep disorder such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea or untreated insomnia.
- Daily uncontrollable stress is not a problem for me.
- I have a strong support group and enjoy many activities with friends, colleagues and family members.
- I have no short or long term memory problems.
Interpretation of test results
In order to take the test, you must answer “Yes” or “No” to all the questions above. Count all “Yes” answers and write down the score. To be able to interpret the result , find out in which of the categories below the number of affirmative answers falls.
- 23-25 Subtract 15 years from your chronological age to get your actual brain age. If things don’t change, the risk is extremely low.
- 20-22 Subtract 10 years from your chronological age for your actual brain age. You do a lot to take care of your physical and mental health. Pay attention to those questions you marked “No” to see what changes you need to make.
- 15-19 Your actual brain age is the same as your chronological age. You could be at risk of developing dementia and should pay attention to the questions you answered ‘No’ to and make changes accordingly.
- 12-14 Add five years to your chronological age to get your actual brain age. With this difference between your actual brain age and your chronological age, you could have an increased chance of dementia. Review your answers and where work is needed and visit your GP to discuss the results.
- 0-11 Add 10 years to your chronological age for actual brain age. Get in touch with your doctor to discuss the health problems you have and what you can do to manage any problems.
