A new study has identified 17 overlapping factors that affect the risk of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. The research suggests that lifestyle changes can simultaneously lower the risk of all three conditions.
The study found that people who have one condition are more likely to develop another. This is because they often share underlying damage to small blood vessels in the brain. Risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes can cause this kind of damage.
Research shows that at least 60% of strokes, 40% of dementia cases, and 35% of late-life depression cases could be prevented or slowed by controlling risk factors.
Addressing one risk factor can also help address others, such as excess weight and social isolation. For example, getting more exercise can improve multiple health aspects simultaneously.
The study identified six protective factors that lower the risk of brain diseases:
* Low to moderate alcohol intake
* Cognitive activity (e.g., reading, puzzles)
* A diet high in vegetables, fruit, dairy, fish, and nuts
* Moderate or high levels of physical activity
* A sense of purpose in life
* A large social network
On the other hand, 13 health characteristics and habits increase the risk:
* High blood pressure
* High body mass index
* High blood sugar
* High total cholesterol
* Depressive symptoms
* A diet high in red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, and sodium
* Hearing loss
* Kidney disease
* Pain
* Sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia)
* Smoking history
* Loneliness or isolation
To tackle these behaviors for brain health, Dr. Sanjula Singh suggests treating them like a menu of options: “Choose just a first risk factor and then take it step by step.” Lowering blood pressure can have big benefits, and addressing specific risk factors, such as exercise and social connections, has notable effects on brain health.
Getting started is essential. Addressing high blood pressure, for example, can lower the risk of stroke, dementia, and depression. Exercise, a large social network, and cognitive activity also substantially decrease these risks.
Experts recommend starting early, in middle age, to prevent even early disease from developing. Taking steps to reduce risk factors can help prevent or slow the progression of disease later in life, benefiting patients with a family history or genetic predisposition for these diseases.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/23/well/dementia-stroke-depression-prevention.html