1 day Ago By Pallavi Mehra
A new study from researchers at Mass General Brigham, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, has identified 17 everyday lifestyle and health-related factors that can help reduce the risk of serious age-related brain conditions—stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, the study shows how making small changes in daily habits and managing certain health conditions can go a long way in protecting brain health as we age. What the Study FoundThe research team, led by experts at the Brain Care Labs at Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reviewed previous studies and data to look for risk factors that are common across stroke, dementia, and depression in older adults.
By cross-checking these risk factors, they found 17 that could be modified through lifestyle or medical treatment—and that could lower the chances of developing not just one, but all three of these conditions. “These brain diseases are deeply connected,” said lead author Jasper Senff, a postdoctoral researcher at the Singh Lab. “If someone develops one of them, the chances of developing another go up.
But the good news is that many of the risk factors are the same. So by preventing one, we may be able to prevent others too.” The 17 Modifiable Risk FactorsHere are the 17 risk factors the researchers identified—most of which can be addressed with lifestyle changes or medical care: Diabetes – Increases the risk of all three brain conditions.
High blood pressure – Is a major contributor to stroke, dementia, and depression. Kidney disease – This can raise the risk of brain-related disorders. High fasting blood sugar – Is linked to all three conditions.
High cholesterol – Especially linked to stroke and dementia. Excessive alcohol use – Affects the brain and mood. Poor diet – A key player in multiple chronic illnesses.
Hearing loss – Tied to a higher risk of dementia. Chronic pain – Can worsen mental health and possibly brain function. Physical inactivity – Contributes to all three diseases.
Lack of purpose in life – This may increase the risk of depression. Poor sleep quality – Can affect mood and brain health. Smoking – Is a well-known risk factor for several brain disorders.
Social isolation or loneliness – Strongly linked to depression and dementia. Chronic stress – Impacts mental health and brain function. Untreated depression – This can lead to further mental and neurological problems.
Obesity – Increases the risk of stroke, dementia, and depression. Why This MattersThe research suggests that improving just one of these risk factors may help lower the risk of developing multiple brain conditions. This also means that prevention efforts don’t have to be complicated.
“Healthcare today can feel overwhelming,” said senior author Dr. Jonathan Rosand, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. “But this study reminds us that prevention can be quite straightforward—because many serious conditions share the same causes.
” By focusing on simple, manageable lifestyle changes—like eating better, exercising, staying socially connected, and treating conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes—people can actively reduce their chances of developing age-related brain diseases. As we age, dementia, depression, and stroke become more common. This study offers a hopeful message: We may have more control than we think.
Simple steps taken today—whether it’s quitting smoking, improving sleep, or managing stress—could lead to a healthier brain and a better quality of life in the future. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world..
