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Younger Bioenergetic Age Reduces Alzheimer’s Risk, Study Shows

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified "bioenergetic age," a measure of how efficiently cells generate energy, as a potential indicator of Alzheimer’s disease risk. The study, published on February 24 in Nature Communications, found that individuals with a younger bioenergetic age may be better shielded from developing Alzheimer’s. Researchers noted that healthy living might reverse the bioenergetic clock for some, reducing Alzheimer’s risk in a manner similar to the drug lecanemab.

The study highlighted that one early sign of Alzheimer’s is the decline in the brain cells’ ability to metabolize glucose and produce energy. However, a delay often occurs between this decline in energy processes and the onset of clinical symptoms, indicating that some individuals have a greater "bioenergetic capacity." This capacity appears to help maintain energy levels in the brain despite early abnormalities.

Senior author Jan Krumsiek, an associate professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, and first author Matthias Arnold from Helmholtz Munich contributed to the study, offering new insights into how lifestyle factors might influence Alzheimer’s disease risk.

Source: Cornell University

Source Type: College

Source Location: Ithaca

Mar 20, 2025 at 8:30 AM

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