# Epigenetic Clocks Predicted Who Lived to 90, But Not Who Stayed Sharp

*Epigenetic Clocks of Biological Aging and Cognitively Healthy Longevity: The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
- **Sample Size**: 5,844 older women followed to age 90 or death
- **Authors**: LaCroix AZ, Zhang B, Nguyen S, Resnick SM, Ferrucci L, Horvath S, Lu AT, Espeland MA, Rapp SR, Beckman K, Nievergelt C, Maihofer AX, McEvoy LK, Shadyab AH
- **Published**: 2026-09-01
- **Topics**: epigenetic clocks, longevity, cognition
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glag215
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42679383/

## Summary

Epigenetic clocks are sold as a readout of how fast you're aging. In nearly 6,000 older women tracked for decades, the newer clocks like GrimAge and DunedinPACE did predict who reached 90. But none of the 15 clocks could tell apart women who reached 90 with intact thinking from those who reached 90 with dementia. So a good clock score says something about lifespan odds, not brain health.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests epigenetic age tests say little about your future brain health.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/epigenetic-clocks-predicted-who-lived-to-90-but-not-who-stayed-sharp · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-09-01_