This scientific paper explores the relationship between epigenetic age, a measure of biological aging based on DNA methylation patterns, and the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The research challenges previous cross-sectional studies by employing longitudinal analysis and neuroimaging biomarkers to demonstrate that accelerated epigenetic aging, particularly using DNAmPhenoAge and DNAmGrimAge, predicts the transition from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD. Furthermore, the study reveals a strong association between advanced epigenetic age and cortical thinning in AD-relevant brain regions, as well as an increase in white matter disease burden. Ultimately, the findings suggest that  ...