Brain aging is a process that can significantly deviate from an individual's chronological age, with socioeconomic and environmental factors often playing a crucial role in accelerating this process. Research shows that people living in adverse conditions, such as poverty and pollution, exhibit greater signs of cognitive decline. A study involving over 5,000 participants from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), as well as other countries, uses advanced methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to track changes in brain biological age compared to chronological age.

The research particularly highlighted women from the LAC region as the most vulnerable group. Specifically, women suffering from Alzheimer's disease show greater deviations in brain biological age compared to their chronological age. These differences are linked not only to biological factors but also to the social conditions in which these women live. High levels of pollution and inadequate access to healthcare contribute to accelerated brain aging.

Scientists use advanced deep learning algorithms to precisely measure the differences between biological and chronological brain age. These "brain clocks" enable accurate assessment and can aid in the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that participants with mild cognitive impairment had less deviation, while those with Alzheimer's disease showed the most pronounced differences.

The results suggest that socioeconomic inequality is a major factor influencing accelerated brain aging. Poverty, inequalities in the healthcare system, and environmental pollution play a significant role in worsening cognitive health. Interestingly, women, especially in poorer regions, are at higher risk of accelerated brain aging. These findings could have far-reaching implications for global health policies, especially in the context of prevention and early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

The advanced technology used in this study provides new insights into the complexity of brain aging processes. The application of fMRI and EEG allowed precise measurement of brain activity and provided a deeper understanding of how environmental factors, such as pollution and health inequalities, accelerate brain aging. The results clearly show that socioeconomic status has a significant impact on brain health, necessitating urgent interventions in public health policies.

One of the key conclusions of the study is the need for the development of targeted preventive medicine. Personalized medicine, which takes into account specific social and environmental conditions in which individuals live, could be crucial in preventing and slowing neurodegenerative diseases. Based on the results of this study, experts call for greater attention to socioeconomic factors contributing to brain aging.

These findings provide a new framework for understanding the biological processes of brain aging and offer hope for the development of more effective health policies. Addressing issues such as socioeconomic inequality and environmental pollution could help reduce disparities in brain aging and improve the quality of life for many people worldwide. The research is an important step toward a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between environmental and social factors and biological processes in the brain.