Having a strong immune system might actually help protect against dementia as you get older. Scientists have found some interesting connections between how well our immune system works and our brain health.
When our immune system is working properly, it helps fight off harmful things in our body. But it also seems to play a role in keeping our brain healthy. Some research shows that people with stronger immune systems may have a lower chance of developing dementia later in life.
One recent study looked at how different organs in our body age. Surprisingly, they found that faster aging of the immune system, not the brain itself, was the biggest sign that someone might get dementia in the future[3]. This suggests that keeping our immune system in good shape could be really important for preventing memory problems when we’re older.
How does this work? Well, our immune system helps control inflammation in the body. When it’s not working right, there can be too much inflammation, including in the brain. Over time, this extra inflammation might damage brain cells and lead to dementia[1].
Some scientists are even looking at how a mother’s immune system during pregnancy might affect her child’s memory abilities decades later[9]. This shows just how important our immune health can be, even before we’re born.
So what can we do to keep our immune system strong? Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are all good ways to support immune health. These habits are also great for overall brain health.
It’s important to remember that having a strong immune system isn’t a guarantee against dementia. Many factors play a role in brain health as we age. But taking care of our immune system seems to be one way we might be able to lower our risk of memory problems later on.
As research continues, we might find even more ways that our immune system and brain health are connected. For now, focusing on overall health and wellness is a good strategy for keeping both our immune system and our brain in top shape as we get older.
