A new study, published in the journal Nature Aging, has revealed that there are significant differences in the risk factors for healthy aging in Latin America. The study also emphasized that current models of brain health, which are primarily based on data from high-income countries, have limitations. The research was conducted by researchers from Trinity College Dublin.(In Ireland), and with partners from Universidad Adolfo Ibanez (Chile) and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia) and other organizations.
Developing customized and individualized approaches to healthy aging and brain health
Latin America encounters specific obstacles in promoting healthy brain aging, such as genetic diversity (influencing genetic variation and disease risk), adverse childhood experiences, socioeconomic inequality, and limited access to healthcare.
utilities, and health disparities. The influence of both physical and social exposomes on brain health is significant and differs from what is observed in high-income countries.
The research included a thorough meta-analysis of many studies, ultimately involving more than 146,000 participants. The results showed significant but diverse effects on cognition and functional ability, with different impacts from demographics, mental health, health status, and social determinants.
This study uncovered a great deal of variability in how risk factors affect cognition and functional ability in Latin American populations. This variability is an important finding.The study highlights the limitations of using one-size-fits-all models that were developed from data in high-income countries. The wide range of differences and outliers between countries, along with the lack of reliable computational methods, have all contributed to the lack of accuracy in existing data.
Improving our understanding of healthy aging and brain health
The lead author of the study, Agustin Ibanez, who is also an Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, and the Director of BrainLat UAI, stated:
“This study supports the growing notion that global models of brain health, which are mainly based on data from high-income countries, may not be applicable to all populations.The effectiveness of current models based on data from high-income countries may not apply universally. Our research demonstrates significant variation in the risk factors that impact cognitive function and everyday abilities among Latin American populations. This emphasizes the inadequacy of existing models. There is an immediate need for comprehensive and standardized data collection efforts to capture the wide range of factors that influence healthy aging in Latin America. Carlos Coronel, an Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, who co-authored the study, stated that there is a need to develop predictive models that are specifically tailored to the unique demographic, genetic, and socioeconomic characteristics of the region.The importance of understanding the interaction between brain function and the exposome in different contexts cannot be overstated. To bridge this gap, advanced computational approaches that integrate theories of brain function and its interaction with the exposome are necessary.
The study suggests the use of robust methodological approaches and the promotion of data-driven and machine-learning techniques to address social determinants of health and other socioeconomic disparities. Joaquin Migeot, co-author and postdoctoral researcher at BrainLat, commented on the significance of addressing these social factors:
“The need to consider the combined impact of various exposures throughout life involves a high dimensionality of variables.
In order to effectively navigate this complexity and draw meaningful conclusions, it is crucial to utilize machine learning techniques. This will help to achieve a more thorough and precise comprehension of the impact of various exposures on brain health. These efforts will then be used to inform customized policy and healthcare interventions, ultimately enhancing brain health and aging outcomes in Latin America.”
Sandra Baez, a co-author and professor at Los Andes University (Colombia) and Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, stated:
“This research represents a significant advancement in our understanding of the distinct factors that affect brain health in Latin America.The research examined how social and environmental factors can affect aging and brain health in Latin America. The results suggest that there should be a more detailed and location-specific strategy for creating brain health models that cater to various and often overlooked demographics.
