- What are blood-based biomarkers?
Blood-based biomarkers are measurable substances in the blood that can indicate normal or pathological processes in the body, including aging, inflammation, or neurodegeneration. Examples include markers of inflammation, telomere length, neurofilament light chain (NfL), and amyloid-related proteins.
- Why are blood-based biomarkers important in dementia research?
They offer a minimally invasive, cost-effective way to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, track disease progression, and monitor responses to interventions before clinical symptoms appear.
- What is allostatic load (AL)?
Allostatic load is a composite measure that reflects the cumulative “wear and tear” on the body from chronic stress. It is derived from a combination of biological markers and is associated with both physical and brain health outcomes.
- How are telomeres related to aging and brain health?
Telomeres are protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with age and stress. Shorter telomeres are linked to cellular aging, reduced tissue regeneration, and have been associated with lower brain integrity and increased risk of dementia.
- What are brain-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs)?
These are small particles released by brain cells into the blood, which can carry proteins and genetic material. They are being studied as a novel source of biomarkers that may reflect brain-specific processes in neurodegeneration.
- How can lifestyle affect these biomarkers?
Factors such as physical activity, stress management, meditation, and cognitive engagement can influence biological aging processes, including inflammation, telomere maintenance, and brain health.
- Can mental training like meditation influence blood-based biomarkers reflecting brain health?
Yes. Mental training interventions such as long-term meditation have been shown to influence biological markers related to stress regulation, inflammation, and cellular aging (e.g., telomere length). Although findings are still emerging, meditation may positively affect blood-based biomarkers that reflect brain health by reducing physiological stress and supporting neuroprotective mechanisms. Some studies also suggest links between meditation engagement and slower biological aging, but further research is needed to confirm causal effects and individual variability.
