17 Preventable Risk Factors Link Stroke, Dementia, and Depression

Three of the most prevalent diseases associated with aging share several common risk factors, and all can be mitigated through lifestyle modifications.

A recent study conducted by Mass General Brigham (MGB) identified 17 shared risk factors associated with stroke, dementia, and late-life depression.

The researchers analyzed existing studies related to risk factors for these three conditions, pinpointing those that can be modified through healthier behaviors.

Additionally, the study evaluated the potential effects of these risk factors on overall quality of life and mortality, as detailed in a press release from MGB.

Identifying Common Risk Factors

The 17 common risk factors identified in the research include:

Blood pressure
Kidney disease
Fasting plasma glucose
Total cholesterol
Alcohol use
Diet
Hearing loss
Pain
Physical activity
Purpose in life
Sleep
Smoking
Social engagement
Stress

These findings were published in the prestigious Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.

Hope for Prevention

Dr. Sanjula Singh, the study’s senior author and principal investigator at the Brain Care Labs at Massachusetts General Hospital, characterized the findings as promising.

She emphasized that there exist tangible opportunities for prevention, stating, “Managing your blood pressure, maintaining physical activity, following a nutritious diet, and fostering social connections can collectively enhance brain health over time.” These small changes in daily routines could lead to substantial benefits.

Expert Perspectives

Brian Snelling, MD, from the Miami Neuroscience Institute at Baptist Health South Florida, who was not part of the study, provided insight into the results.

He noted, “Factors such as chronic pain and having a sense of purpose are often underestimated in the context of neurological health. Furthermore, the notion that decreased activity might be a sign of brain disease rather than a cause challenges our current understanding of early symptoms.”

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and a Fox News senior medical analyst, echoed the study’s highlights, advocating that addressing these factors can reduce inflammation in the body, thus mitigating the risks of stroke, dementia, and depression.

Practical Steps for Brain Health

To prevent feeling overwhelmed by the 17 factors, the authors recommend viewing them as a menu of options.

“One doesn’t have to tackle all the factors simultaneously. Starting with just one to three achievable changes can already lead to meaningful improvements,” Singh explained. This approach may help individuals identify where to begin in their journey toward better brain health.

A key focus for initiating change could be blood pressure management, with Singh advising monitoring and maintaining it within a healthy range.

She suggested several practical strategies, such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, consuming more fruits and vegetables, managing stress levels, and adhering to prescribed medications.

Other vital areas for emphasis include enhancing sleep quality, fostering social connections, controlling blood sugar levels, and promoting physical activity. All these components interrelate, Singh highlighted.

She stated, “Improvements in one factor often facilitate progress in others. For instance, increasing physical activity might enhance sleep quality or help lower blood pressure.”

A Holistic Approach to Brain Care

Experts emphasize that managing blood pressure and kidney health, along with maintaining mental and social engagement, are essential strategies for safeguarding brain functioning.

According to Snelling, proactive measures for brain care should commence well before any symptoms arise.

Singh acknowledged certain limitations within the study, noting that the focus remained on modifiable risk factors overlapping two or more conditions. This might have led to the exclusion of significant risk factors unique to just one condition, particularly concerning psychological aspects related to late-life depression.

The reliance on existing meta-analyses could also mean some valuable factors from smaller studies were overlooked.

Moreover, while the strength of evidence varied across risk factors and conditions evaluated, it’s crucial to understand that the study established associations rather than definitive causations. Nevertheless, the research offers a meaningful starting point for future prevention-focused research.

Continued Research and Future Implications

Snelling concurs with the study’s findings, affirming that the comprehensive review illustrates strong associations yet does not confirm direct cause-and-effect relationships.

He insists that this underscores the urgent need for more high-quality data, particularly surrounding late-life depression.

Ultimately, medical experts emphasize the importance of lifestyle adjustments in promoting health and longevity.

Dr. Brintha Vasagar, a family physician in Milwaukee, remarked, “Diet, exercise, sufficient sleep, and a sense of purpose are not merely beneficial for brain health; they are also pivotal in preventing numerous chronic illnesses.”

She advises individuals to consult their family medicine physicians to determine which changes would yield the most significant impact on their overall health.