Lifestyle Factors that Protect Brain Health

Because at least 60% of stroke, 40% of dementia, and 35% of late-life depression are attributable to modifiable lifestyle factors, researchers performed a meta-analysis of 59 studies reporting effect sizes of modifiable risk factors on the incidence of these age-related brain diseases.

Takeaways:

The lifestyle factors that protect against brain disease are:

• Cognitively stimulating activities, such as reading or puzzles

• A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, dairy, fish and nuts

• Moderate to high levels of exercise

• A sense of purpose in life

• A robust social network

• Low (more beneficial than moderate) to moderate alcohol consumption.

The factors that increase the risk of brain disease are:

• High blood pressure

• High body mass index

• High blood sugar

• High cholesterol

• Depression symptoms

• A diet high in red meat, sweets, and sodium

• Stress

• Sleep problems

• Loneliness or social isolation

• Smoking

• Hearing loss

• Kidney disease

• Pain that interferes with activities.

Source

Jasper R. Senff, MD, et al., Modifiable Risk Factors for Stroke, Dementia, and Late-Life Depression: A Systematic Review and DALY Weighted Risk Factors for a Composite Outcome, July 4, 2024.