GrimAge clock predicts survival in cognitively healthy centenarians
A preliminary study, published as a preprint, followed 247 cognitively healthy Dutch centenarians and found that faster epigenetic aging measured by the GrimAge clock was linked to a higher risk of death.
Source: GrimAge Clock Predicts Survival in Cognitively Healthy Centenarians (medrxiv.org). Summary written with AI from the source and reviewed by rules; read the original.
What the research shows
This preprint study followed 247 cognitively healthy Dutch centenarians and measured epigenetic age acceleration using the GrimAge clock, an estimate of biological age based on chemical marks on DNA. According to the study, acceleration on this measure predicted mortality, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.60. The result held after adjusting for the proportion of immune cells and was independent of brain biomarkers.
This kind of analysis is observational: it shows an association, not a cause, and a group of 247 people is relatively small. Because it is a preprint, the work has not yet passed published peer review, so the results should be considered preliminary. Epigenetic clocks are an active area of research and are not yet used to guide individual clinical decisions.
What it means
The finding suggests that markers of biological age may relate to survival even at extreme ages, including among people without cognitive decline. It is not yet known whether these results hold in other groups, or whether measuring or changing this marker alters outcomes.
How to read it with care
Read this result with care: it is a preliminary study, in a specific group, and not yet peer reviewed. It does not replace a medical consultation. Anyone considering a change in diet, supplements or treatment should talk to a doctor or another qualified health professional.