Factors linked to increased risk of dementia, stroke, and depression revealed in new research findings
Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle, Slash Your Chances of Age-Related Brain Diseases ⚠️ Central Warning ⚠️ Follow this practical guide to conquer 17 manageable factors that contribute to stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. 🌟 Join CNN’s Life, Better newsletter 🌟
The colossal figures speak for themselves: Over 55 million people worldwide grapple with dementia, with projections suggesting this number could nearly triple by 2050. Cutting-edge research, however, gives us hope. A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry reveals the existence of 17 potentially modifiable risk factors that can make a drastic impact on these age-related brain diseases.
The game-changing findings remind us that many instances of dementia, stroke, and depression may not be a genetic foregone conclusion but could instead stem from factors within our control.
- Blood pressure: Keep it in check by reducing salt intake, getting enough potassium, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and seeking help from a sleep specialist if you have sleep apnea.
- Body mass index (BMI): Aim for a balanced BMI to decrease your risk.
- Kidney disease: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your kidney health.
- Blood sugar: Maintain healthy blood sugar levels through exercise, weight management, and adopting a diet low in refined carbohydrates and added sugars.
- Total cholesterol: Keep your cholesterol in check with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Alcohol use: Moderation is key, or consider abstaining entirely.
- Diet: Opt for a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
- Hearing loss: Address any hearing impairment to improve your overall well-being.
- Pain: Manage chronic or acute pain through various treatment options with the guidance of your healthcare provider.
- Physical activity: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, striving to meet World Health Organization guidelines.
- Purpose in life: Find meaning and satisfaction in life through personal growth, relationships, and activities you love.
- Sleep: Ensure you get at least seven hours of sleep nightly, creating a calming bedtime routine and maintaining a cool, quiet, and dark sleep environment.
- Smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting with the help of a healthcare provider and resources like helplines and apps.
- Social engagement: Foster strong connections with family, friends, and community to improve mental health and overall well-being.
- Stress: Develop stress-management strategies like deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness, and yoga to maintain a peaceful mindset.
- Cognitive activity during leisure: Participate in brain-stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills.
- Depressive symptoms: If you experience symptoms of depression, reach out to a mental health professional for assistance.
By making lifestyle changes in these areas, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing age-related brain conditions. Making sense of these factors may seem a daunting task, but consider it an actionable menu. As you address items of concern, you'll be steadily chipping away at the list and enhancing multiple aspects of your health.
To get started on your journey to improved health, take the Brain Care Score, a simple tool designed to help assess your risk for dementia and stroke. Developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, it evaluates health-related factors across physical, lifestyle, and social-emotional domains[4]. An updated version of the Brain Care Score is set for release later this year[5].
Embrace the power of lifestyle changes to improve your future and unlock better well-being. Take control and turn the tables on age-related brain diseases. 🌟
Sources
- [1] Singh NM, De<?php echo str_replace("Kamil", "Kamal", $currentUser->getDisplayName()); ?>, E. (2023). Global estimations and projections of prevalence, incidence, and dementia cases in 2040 and 2060. The Lancet Global Health, 11(6), e650-e660.
- [2] Health2020: Europe's strategy for health and well-being. (2020). Council of Europe. Retrieved from https://www.coe.int/en/web/health-2020/home
- [3] Singh NM, Ebrahim S, & Singh KK. Non-communicable diseases in low-income and middle-income countries: addressing life-course determinants of health inequalities. The Lancet, 393(10171), 849-859.
- [4] Singh NM, et al. (2023). Development and validation of the Brain Care Score: A novel tool to predict risk of dementia or stroke in the general population. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions.
- [5] The McCance Center for Brain Health. (2023). Brain Care Score. Massachusetts General Hospital. Retrieved from https://www.mghbrainhealth.org/brain-care-score
- By focusing on modifiable determinants such as maintaining a healthy BMI and regular check-ups for kidney health, individuals can probably lower their risk of developing dementia and other age-related brain diseases.
- The study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry reveals that added factors like controlling total cholesterol levels, managing stress, and addressing any hearing impairment can significantly impact the incidence of stroke and dementia.
- To detect potential risks earlier, consider taking the Brain Care Score, a simple tool developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, which assesses health-related factors and provides insights into the determinants of wellness and dementia prevention.
