Three of the most common aging related diseases share many of the same risk factors, and all can be reduced through changes in lifestyle.
According to a new study by General Mass Brigham (MGB), which identified 17 common risk factors linked to stroke, dementia and depression of late life.
The researchers reviewed previously published studies of risk factors associated with these three conditions, then determined which can be controlled through healthy behaviors.
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They also predicted the impact that each risk factor had on the quality of life and mortality, according to a MGB press release.
“The suggestion that reduced activity can be a symptom instead of a cause of brain disease challenges the way we interpret the early signs.” (Istock)
The 17 risk factors that share at least two of the diseases include blood pressure, kidney disease, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, alcohol consumption, diet, hearing loss, pain, physical activity, purpose in life, sleep, smoking, social commitment and stress, listed researchers.
The findings were published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
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The main author Sanjula Singh, MD, PHD, principal researcher at Brain Care Labs at the Massachusetts General Hospital, described the discovery as “hopeful.”
“This means that there are real opportunities for prevention. Whether to handle your blood pressure, stay physically active, eat well or maintain social connections, small changes in your daily routine can help you better take better care of your brain over time,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Small changes in your daily routine can help you better take care of your brain over time.”
Brian Snelling, MD, from the Miami Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, did not participate in the study, but shared his opinion on the findings.
“The influence of factors such as chronic pain and a sense of purpose in brain health was remarkable, it was often overlooked in neurological care,” Digital Fox told Fox News.
“In addition, the suggestion that reduced activity can be a symptom instead of a cause of brain disease challenges how we interpret the early signs.”
Total cholesterol was one of the modifiable risk factors shared by at least two of the three cognitive disorders. (Istock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Nyu Langone Health and Senior Medical Analyst of Fox News, said he agrees with the study findings.
“All these factors are well proven to reduce inflammation in the body and, therefore, the risk of stroke, dementia and depression of late life,” Digital told Fox News.
Incremental changes
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, researchers recommend about 17 factors as a “options menu.”
“You don’t have to address them all at once, starting with one to three small and realistic changes can already make a significant difference,” said Singh. “These findings could help people consider which of these 17 risk factors could be a starting point to better care for their brains.”
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To start, Singh recommended measuring blood pressure and taking measures to keep it at a healthy level.
“There are many ways to control your blood pressure: reduce salt intake, increase physical activity, eat more fruits and vegetables, control stress and take medications when it was prescribed,” he advised.
To start with an area to begin, the author of the main study (not in the photo) recommended measuring blood pressure and taking measures to keep it at a healthy level. (Istock)
According to the researcher, other important areas in which to focus include sleep, social connections, blood sugar and physical activity.
“The most important thing is to start somewhere, even small improvements can make a significant difference for brain health,” he said.
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Many of the factors are interconnected, said Singh.
“Progress in an area often supports progress in others,” he said. “For example, becoming more active can help improve sleep or lower blood pressure.”
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According to Snelling, managing blood pressure and renal health, as well as keeping mentally and socially, are key strategies to protect the brain, according to Snelling.
“Proactive brain care must begin long before the symptoms appear,” he said.
Study limitations
Like any study, said Singh, this had several limitations.
“We focus on modifiable risk factors that overlap with at least two of the three conditions; as a result, we can have excluded important risk factors that are specific to a single condition, particularly certain psychological or behavior factors related to the depression of late life,” he told Fox News Digital.
According to experts, maintaining social connections is one of the most important strategies to protect the health of the brain. (Istock)
The researchers were also based only on existing meta -analysis, which meant that some potentially important factors had been lost in smaller studies.
“In addition, the force of evidence varied between risk factors and conditions, and we could not establish causality, only associations,” said Singh. “Still, we hope this work offers a useful starting point for prevention -centered research.”
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Snelling agreed that, although the great review shows solid associations, it does not confirm the cause and effect.
“It also highlights the need for higher quality data, especially around the depression of late life.”
“Proactive brain attention must begin long before the symptoms appear.”
In general, experts agreed that the study emphasizes that changes in lifestyle can be fundamental to promote health and longevity.
“The diet, exercise, sleep and have a purpose in life are not just good for brain health, they are also critical to prevent numerous chronic diseases,” Digital News, the family doctor, Dr. Brintha Vasagar, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, told Fox News News,.
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“Your family medicine doctor can help you identify what changes would have the greatest impact on your health.”
