Experts Reveal Three Key Habits to Lower Risk of Dementia, Stroke, and Depression

Adopting a few key lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, stroke, and late-life depression, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

The study found that modifiable risk factors account for at least 60% of stroke cases, 40% of dementia cases, and 35% of late-life depression. “It turns out that people who’ve had a stroke before tend to develop depression or dementia, and the same is true in the reverse,” said Dr. Sanjula Singh, lead author of the study and principal investigator at Brain Care Labs, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A person measuring measuring a patient's blood pressure | Source: Pexels

Top Three Recommendations for Brain Health

Control high blood pressure: High blood pressure emerged as the most significant shared risk factor across all three conditions. Experts recommend reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and consuming more potassium to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Stay physically and socially active: Engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise lowers the likelihood of stroke and dementia. Coupling physical activity with social interaction—such as walking with a friend or gardening with a partner—provides enhanced benefits for brain health.

Two men jogging | Source: Pexels

Begin healthy habits early: Starting brain-healthy practices in youth or middle age, such as regular exercise and cultivating lasting friendships, can delay or even prevent the onset of neurological conditions.

Individuals can also assess their brain health using the Brain Care Score system developed at Massachusetts General Hospital. This tool evaluates lifestyle factors like blood pressure, diet, and sleep. According to Dr. Jonathan Rosand of Harvard University, “The key is to take the score as a guide and just use it for yourself to improve it.”