As we age, maintaining cognitive function becomes a growing concern, with conditions like stroke, dementia, and late-life depression posing significant risks. However, new research from Mass General Brigham, affiliated with Harvard, reveals that there are 17 controllable lifestyle and health factors that could help lower the likelihood of these debilitating conditions.
The study, published on April 3 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, emphasises that small adjustments to daily habits, combined with effective management of certain health conditions, can play a crucial role in protecting brain health over time.
Key findings from the study
The researchers analysed various studies on stroke, dementia, and depression in older adults to identify common risk factors that can be mitigated through lifestyle changes or medical intervention. The result was the identification of 17 modifiable factors that can lower the risk of all three conditions.
Lead author Jasper Senff, a postdoctoral researcher at the Singh Lab, explained that these brain disorders are closely interrelated. "If someone develops one, the likelihood of developing another increases. The good news is that many of the same risk factors apply across these conditions. Preventing one could potentially help prevent the others," he noted.
The 17 modifiable risk factors
- Diabetes – Increases the likelihood of stroke, dementia, and depression.
- High blood pressure – A primary contributor to stroke, dementia, and depression.
- Kidney disease – Linked to a higher risk of brain disorders.
- High fasting blood sugar – Elevates risk across all three conditions.
- High cholesterol – Particularly associated with stroke and cognitive decline.
- Excessive alcohol consumption – Has detrimental effects on both brain health and mood.
- Unhealthy diet – A significant factor in chronic conditions that affect cognitive function.
- Hearing loss – Correlated with an increased risk of dementia.
- Chronic pain – Can negatively affect both mental health and cognitive function.
- Lack of physical activity – A risk factor shared by all three conditions.
- Lack of purpose – Increases the likelihood of depression.
- Poor sleep – Impairs emotional and cognitive well-being.
- Smoking – A major contributor to neurological diseases.
- Social isolation – Strongly linked to depression and cognitive decline.
- Chronic stress – A significant factor in both mental health and brain function.
- Untreated depression – Can exacerbate or lead to further neurological issues.
- Obesity – Raises the risk of stroke, dementia, and depression.
How to protect your brain
The study reveals that even addressing one of these risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing multiple brain disorders. Dr Jonathan Rosand, a senior author and professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, emphasised that prevention doesn't need to be complicated. "Although healthcare can sometimes feel overwhelming, this study shows that prevention can be simple, as many serious conditions share common causes."
By making manageable lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, staying physically active, and managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, individuals can take significant steps toward maintaining brain health.
Also Read | Symptoms of neurological disorder: Watch out for weakness, memory loss, headaches and more
As we age and the risks of stroke, dementia, and depression increase, this research provides hope that we have more control over our brain health than we may think. Simple actions like quitting smoking, getting better sleep, or managing stress today could lead to a healthier brain and an improved quality of life in the future.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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