Three of the most common aging-related diseases share many of the same risk factors. And all of them can be reduced by lifestyle changes.
That’s according to a new study from Mass General Brigham (MGB) that identified all 17 common risk factors associated with stroke, dementia and later depression.
The researchers looked at previously published studies of risk factors associated with these three conditions and determined which conditions could be controlled through healthy behaviors.
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They also predicted the impact of each risk factor on quality of life and mortality, according to a press release from MGB.
“The suggestion that reduced activity can be a symptom rather than a cause of brain disease challenges how to interpret early signs.” (istock)
The 17 risk factors shared by at least two diseases include blood pressure, kidney disease, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, alcohol use, diet, hearing loss, pain, life purpose, sleep, smoking, social involvement, and stress.
The findings were published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.
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Senior author Sanjula Singh, MD, who is the lead researcher at Brain Care Labs at Massachusetts General Hospital, described the discovery as “full of hope.”
“This means there are real opportunities for prevention. Whether you manage your blood pressure, stay physically active, eat well, or stay socially connected, small changes in your daily life can help you take care of your brain over time,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Small changes in your daily life will help you take better care of your brain over time.”
Brian Snelling, MD, of the Miami Institute of Neuroscience, part of Baptist Health in South Florida, was not involved in the study, but shared his views on the findings.
“The effects of factors such as chronic pain and a sense of purpose on brain health are prominent and often overlooked in neurotherapy,” he told Fox News Digital.
“The suggestion that reduced activity can also be a symptom rather than a cause of brain disease challenges how to interpret early signs.”
Total cholesterol was one of the modifiable risk factors shared by at least two of the three cognitive impairments. (istock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst and professor of clinical medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News, said he agreed with the findings of the study.
“All of these factors have been well-proven to reduce inflammation in the body, which leads to risks of stroke, dementia and later depression,” he told Fox News Digital.
Incremental change
To avoid overwhelming, researchers recommend 17 factors as “optional menus.”
“You don’t have to deal with everything at once. You can start with one or three small realistic changes and make a meaningful difference,” Singh said. “These findings may help you consider which of these 17 risk factors could be a starting point for better care for your brain.”
Single one area first, Singh recommended measuring blood pressure and taking steps to keep it healthy.
“There are many ways to control blood pressure: reduce salt intake, increase physical activity, eat more fruits and vegetables, manage stress, and take medication when prescribed,” she advised.
Single one area first, the lead study author (not photographed) recommended that blood pressure be measured and take steps to keep it healthy. (istock)
Researchers say other important areas of focus include sleep, social connection, blood sugar levels and physical activity.
“The most important thing is to start somewhere. Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference in brain health,” she said.
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Many factors are interconnected, Singh pointed out.
“Advances in one field often support progress in other regions,” she said. “For example, being more active can help you sleep and lower your blood pressure.”
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According to Snelling, staying mentally and socially involved, as well as managing blood pressure and kidney health, is an important strategy to protect the brain.
“Active brain care should start well before symptoms appear,” he said.
Research Limitations
Like other studies, Singh noted, this had some limitations.
“We focused on modifiable risk factors that overlap at least two of the three conditions, which could result in exclusion of important risk factors specific to one condition, particularly certain psychological or behavioral factors associated with depression in later years,” she told Fox News Digital.
According to experts, maintaining social connection is one of the most important strategies to protect brain health. (istock)
Additionally, researchers relied solely on existing meta-analyses, which could lead to potentially important factors being overlooked in small studies.
“In addition, the strength of the evidence differed depending on risk factors and conditions, and causality could not be established. “Nevertheless, we hope that this work provides a useful starting point for prevention-focused research.”
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Snelling agreed that large-scale reviews showed strong associations but did not confirm the cause and effect.
“It also highlights the need for higher quality data, particularly on later depression.”
“Active brain care should start well before symptoms appear.”
Overall, experts agreed that this study highlights that lifestyle changes may help promote health and longevity.
“It’s not just brain health to have diet, exercise, sleep and life purpose. They are also important in preventing many chronic diseases,” Dr. Brintosa Vasagal, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, told Fox News Digital.
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“Your family medicine doctor will help you identify which changes will most impact your health.”
