According to new research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025, people with shorter protective caps at the ends of their chromosomes, called telomeres, may be more likely to develop age-related brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, and later-life depression.
Leukocyte telomere length is a known biologic marker for aging. Because telomeres shorten with age, their capability to protect genomic material is reduced, leading to cellular aging and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases.
The study used data from more than 356,000 participants in the large UK Biobank database. Recruited participants provided blood samples to analyze leukocyte telomere length. Participants also underwent a Brain Care Score assessment, a tool designed to quantify modifiable factors such as physical factors, lifestyle choices, and social interactions. They were followed up for a median duration of 12 years to observe for the onset of stroke, dementia, or later-life depression.
The researchers found that participants with the shortest leukocyte telomere length had an 8% higher risk for stroke, a 19% higher risk for dementia, and a 14% higher risk for later-life depression. Those with the shortest leukocyte telomere length had an 11% higher risk of developing at least one of the age-related brain diseases categorized by the study.
The researchers noted, however, that according to their mendelian randomization statistical analysis, leukocyte telomere length is a biomarker that identifies the risk for these brain diseases rather than the direct cause of these diseases.
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