Lifestyle factors linked to brain health of young adults

Researchers from the University of Oxford, in collaboration with researchers from Canada and the Universities of Bristol and London, have used advanced magnetic resonance imaging to investigate whether factors such as blood pressure, fitness, smoking and alcohol intake during young adult life are associated with changes in the blood vessels inside the brain. The British Heart Foundation and Wellcome Trust funded study, which took place at the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, involved 125 young adults between the ages of 18 and 40 years. Participants with healthier cardiovascular risk profiles, such as those with optimal blood pressure who are following the UK's Chief Medical Officers' public health guidelines for exercise participation and lower alcohol intake were found to have higher density of blood vessels in the brain as well as higher brain blood flow and fewer white matter hyperintensity lesions; which have been associated with a higher risk of stroke and dementia in later life. Profesor Paul Leeson, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford, who led the research commented: 'We have known for some time that lifestyle during young adult life is relevant to the health of the heart. This new research is exciting because we have been able to show that similar factors may also be impacting on the health of the brain, decades earlier than previously anticipated.' Dr Wilby Williamson, Sports and Exercise Medicine Physician and Clinical Research Fellow in Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford, who helped deliver the study and is a co-author commented: 'Young adult cardiovascular health is often a neglected area.