Scientists at Harvard University have identified 17 preventable risk factors behind three common age-related brain diseases: dementia, stroke, and late-life depression. Researchers examined 37 studies on dementia, stroke, and elderly depression. The findings indicated that at least two of these diseases were closely related to modifiable lifestyle factors.
Health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, alcohol use, hearing loss, sleep disorders, as well as lesser-known factors like life satisfaction, social interaction, pain sensitivity, and quality of hearing were all among the risk factors. High blood pressure, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity were identified as fundamental shared risks for these three conditions.
According to the study, high blood pressure can increase the risk of dementia, stroke, and depression by damaging the brain’s blood vessels. Dr. Jasper Senff, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard’s Brain Care Labs, stated, “Dementia, stroke, and late-life depression are interconnected and intertwined diseases. When one is present, the likelihood of the others emerging also increases.” Senff emphasized that by focusing on common risk factors, these diseases could be prevented, thereby reducing the burden of age-related brain disorders in society.
The results of the study were published this month in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Of the 37 studies analyzed, 36 focused on stroke, 16 on dementia, and 2 on late-life depression. The data revealed 17 modifiable risk factors associated with at least two of these diseases, including:
Blood pressure, kidney disease, blood sugar, cholesterol, alcohol use, nutrition, hearing loss, chronic pain, physical activity level, life purpose, sleep patterns, smoking, social interaction, and stress.
The study found that high blood pressure and serious kidney diseases had the greatest impact on these three conditions. Experts suggested that high blood pressure not only predisposes to stroke and dementia by disrupting vascular structure but also increases the risk of depression by enhancing brain inflammation. Kidney diseases, on the other hand, were noted to accumulate harmful toxins in the body, negatively affecting both vascular health and brain cells.
The study also emphasized the protective role of physical activity, cognitively stimulating activities like solving puzzles, and social interactions. However, researchers also pointed out that the relationship between such activities and diseases may be symptomatic rather than causative.
Dr. Sanjula Singh from Harvard stated, “Our study has revealed numerous preventive measures individuals can take to reduce the risk of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. These findings are invaluable for maintaining public health.” While highlighting the strong relationships between these risk factors and brain health, researchers stress the need for further in-depth examination to better understand their impact.