Reducing the risk of age-related brain diseases.

According to Singh, if the 17 items seem overwhelming, consider them like a menu from which you can select a few items and work your way through the list over time. She went on to say that it's important to remember that these things overlap; for instance, if you eat better and exercise more, your blood pressure, sugar, sleep, and cholesterol will probably go down. Are you unsure which choice to make? Here’s how you can address what experts said are some of the most important determinants of dementia, stroke and depression.

lowering high blood pressure: According to Isaacson, high blood pressure results in decreased blood flow to the brain, which has a direct correlation with stroke and dementia. However, high blood pressure is also linked to depression by reducing neurotransmitters in the brain. According to experts, you can check your level with a machine at a pharmacy, a doctor, or a home device to treat high blood pressure. In addition to exercising, losing weight, managing stress, and seeing a sleep specialist if you have sleep apnea, getting enough potassium and salt is important for lowering blood pressure. A doctor can tell if you need to take any other medications. Identifying your triggers, learning from relapses, using helplines and apps, and speaking with doctors who can assist you in devising a treatment plan are the five steps you can take right now to quit smoking. Improve your fitness: When it comes to physical activity, keep in mind that any amount is preferable to none. The World Health Organization has recommendations for the type, frequency, and amount of time you should exercise based on your age. Get enough sleep: Adults over the age of 18 require at least seven hours of sleep each night. You can help get a good night's sleep by keeping your room cool, dark, and quiet, not drinking alcohol or caffeine before bed, limiting screen time at night, and following a bedtime routine. Regulate your blood sugar: Exercise, weight management and a healthy diet that limits refined carbohydrates and added sugars can also maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

The current Brain Care Score, which was developed in 2023 at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital to assist individuals in assessing and managing their risk for dementia or stroke without the use of medical procedures, is informed by the findings of the most recent study. The 21-point score refers to how a person fares on 12 health-related factors concerning physical, lifestyle and social-emotional components of health. To this list, the new study adds pain, depressive symptoms, hearing loss, cognitive activity and kidney disease.If 17 items seem overwhelming, look at it as a menu from which you can choose a few items — and work your way through the list over time, Singh said. She added that it's important to keep in mind that these factors overlap; for instance, if you improve your diet and exercise, you probably improve blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep, and cholesterol. Not sure which option to take? Here’s how you can address what experts said are some of the most important determinants of dementia, stroke and depression.

lowering high blood pressure: According to Isaacson, high blood pressure results in decreased blood flow to the brain, which has a direct correlation with stroke and dementia. However, high blood pressure is also linked to depression by reducing neurotransmitters in the brain. To address high blood pressure, you can have your level checked by a machine at a drugstore, a doctor or a home device, experts said. In addition to exercising, losing weight, managing stress, and seeing a sleep specialist if you have sleep apnea, getting enough potassium and salt is important for lowering blood pressure. A doctor can tell if you need to take any other medications. Stop smoking: If you smoke, there are five actions you can take right now to quit, which concern identifying your triggers, learning from relapses, using helplines and apps, and speaking with doctors who can help you devise a treatment plan.

Improve your fitness: When it comes to physical activity, keep in mind that any amount is preferable to none. The World Health Organization has recommendations for the type, frequency, and amount of time you should exercise based on your age. Get enough sleep: Older adults need at least seven hours of sleep nightly. You can help ensure a good night’s rest by keeping your room cool, quiet and dark; not drinking alcohol or caffeine in the several hours before bed; limiting screen time at night; and having a bedtime routine.

Regulate your blood sugar: Exercise, weight management and a healthy diet that limits refined carbohydrates and added sugars can also maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

The current Brain Care Score, which was developed in 2023 at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital to assist individuals in assessing and managing their risk for dementia or stroke without the use of medical procedures, is informed by the findings of the most recent study. The 21-point score refers to how a person fares on 12 health-related factors concerning physical, lifestyle and social-emotional components of health. To this list, the new study adds pain, depressive symptoms, hearing loss, cognitive activity and kidney disease.