A recently developed scorecard by researchers might motivate you to reduce the risks of dementia and stroke.

Led by researchers at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, an international study has introduced and validated a Brain Care Score (BCS) card. This tool simplifies the assessment of your current practices and areas for improvement. The ultimate reward? A healthier brain translates to a reduced risk of dementia and strokes.

What is scored?

Named the McCance Brain Care Score, this card evaluates 12 domains encompassing physical, lifestyle, and social-emotional aspects.

Physical elements involve:

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Cholesterol
• Body mass index (BMI)

Lifestyle factors cover:

• Dietary habits
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Aerobic exercises
• Sleep quality

Social-emotional aspects address:

• Stress management
• Social connections
• Sense of purpose

Each category receives a score ranging from 0 to 2, culminating in a maximum score of 21. A higher score indicates superior brain care.

How was the study performed?

The study, published in Frontiers of Neurology in December 2023, analyzed data from nearly 399,000 adults aged 40 to 69 (average age 57; 54% women) enrolled in the UK Biobank.

Over an average follow-up of 12.5 years, participants reported 5,354 new cases of dementia and 7,259 strokes. Researchers observed that individuals with higher initial Brain Care Scores had reduced risks of developing dementia or strokes.

These health challenges profoundly impact individuals in the US, with dementia affecting one in seven Americans—a figure projected to triple by 2050. Additionally, the CDC reports that over 795,000 Americans experience a stroke annually, highlighting the urgent need for proactive brain health strategies.

What outcomes did the study show?

Each increment of five points higher in the BCS rating at the study’s onset correlated with notably reduced risks of dementia and stroke, though these probabilities varied among age groups:

• Individuals under 50 at the study’s commencement demonstrated a 59% lower likelihood of dementia and a 48% lower likelihood of stroke for every five-point increase in BCS.
• Participants aged 50 to 59 at the study’s commencement exhibited a 32% lower chance of dementia and a 52% lower chance of stroke for every five-point increase in BCS.

However, the advantages against brain diseases seemed to lessen for those over 59 at the study’s onset. This demographic experienced only an 8% reduced risk of dementia and a 33% decreased risk of stroke for every five-point increase in BCS. The study’s authors hypothesized that some individuals in this age bracket might have already begun experiencing early-stage dementia, which is challenging to detect until it progresses.

Summary

Enhancing brain health is undoubtedly a major incentive for achieving a higher score, yet it’s just one of the many rewards. Every improvement in the BCS components contributes to our overall well-being.

Addressing these factors not only supports brain health but also benefits heart health and reduces cancer risk. Moreover, these enhancements extend to psychological well-being, a crucial aspect of brain health.

The straightforward breakdown of health factors in the scale simplifies the process, allowing individuals to concentrate on adjusting one or two aspects without feeling overwhelmed.