The Predictive Power Of Brain-Predicted Age And Leg Strength On Mobility Decline In Aging: Findings From The Baltimore Longitudinal Study Of Aging

The study found that both accelerated brain aging, as measured by brain-predicted age, and weaker leg strength independently predict a decline in mobility among older adults.

As we age, maintaining our ability to move freely and independently becomes increasingly important. It’s well-known that both our muscles and our brains play a role in this, but a recent study sheds more light on how these factors contribute to mobility changes over time. Researchers investigated the impact of what they call “brain-predicted age difference” (BPAD) and leg strength on how well older individuals maintain their mobility. BPAD essentially measures whether a person’s brain appears biologically older or younger than their chronological age based on MRI scans. A higher BPAD suggests that the brain is aging at an accelerated rate. The findings revealed that having a brain that appears biologically older than one’s actual age was linked to a decline in mobility, such as slower walking speeds and more difficulty performing tasks like standing up from a chair. Separately, stronger leg muscles were associated with better walking performance and easier completion of physical tasks. Interestingly, the study concluded that these two factors—accelerated brain aging and leg weakness—each independently contribute to a decline in mobility. This highlights the importance of addressing both brain health and muscle strength through interventions to help older adults stay mobile and maintain their independence as they age.