A comprehensive study conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham has identified 17 modifiable risk factors that are shared between three major age-related brain diseases: stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. These conditions are commonly seen in older adults and can have debilitating effects on quality of life. The findings, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, suggest that through behavioral and lifestyle changes, individuals can lower their risk of these conditions.
The researchers performed an extensive systematic review, combing through previous meta-analyses related to stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. By consolidating data from multiple studies, they identified common risk factors that are modifiable—that is, factors that individuals can change or manage through lifestyle adjustments.
The review revealed that 17 modifiable risk factors are shared by at least two of these diseases. These include high blood pressure, kidney disease, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, alcohol use, diet, hearing loss, pain, physical activity, purpose in life, sleep, smoking, social engagement, and stress. Among these, high blood pressure and severe kidney disease had the largest impact on the onset and burden of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression.
The study emphasizes the significant role that lifestyle modifications can play in reducing the risk of these diseases. For example, adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing stress can help lower the risk of developing one or more of these brain diseases. Furthermore, engaging in physical activity and participating in leisure activities that have a cognitive component—such as solving puzzles—were shown to be associated with a lower risk of disease. However, the researchers note that these associations could be symptomatic rather than causal, as individuals with existing brain conditions may be less able to engage in such activities.
The research underscores the interrelationship between stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Jasper Senff, MD, the study’s first author, highlights that individuals who develop one of these diseases are at a significantly higher risk of developing another. This is due to the shared risk factors that affect the brain’s health, making prevention a critical strategy. Senff states, “Because they share these overlapping risk factors, preventive efforts could lead to a reduction in the incidence of more than one of these diseases, which provides an opportunity to simultaneously reduce the burden of age-related brain diseases.”
As part of this initiative, Mass General Brigham researchers developed and validated the Brain Care Score, a tool designed to measure the efforts individuals are making to protect their brain health. The score also provides personalized recommendations on how to improve brain health based on the latest scientific findings. The researchers emphasize that there is a need for further studies, particularly around late-life depression, and they are calling for randomized controlled trials to test interventions using the Brain Care Score to see if it can be an effective tool in reducing the incidence of these brain diseases.
The study provides valuable insights into the modifiable risk factors for age-related brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. By addressing factors such as blood pressure, kidney disease, diet, physical activity, and social engagement, individuals have the opportunity to reduce their risk and improve their overall brain health. The findings also highlight the importance of prevention and the need for future research to explore the most effective ways to mitigate the burden of these diseases.
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