Scientists announced the creation of a Brain Care Score (BCS) last December, a tool to assess dementia or stroke risk without medical procedures. A new study suggests the score can also help identify beneficial lifestyle changes and predict depression risk in later life. Food, exercise, and social interaction are vital for healthy aging. The 21-point BCS evaluates performance in 12 health-related factors: physical, lifestyle, and socio-emotional aspects. Published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, the study found higher BCS links to lower depression risk in people aged 60 and above.
"The Brain Care Score is a simple tool to help anyone answer the question: 'What can I do to better care for my brain?'" said Dr. Jonathan Rosand, co-author and co-founder of the McCance Center for Brain Health. The study shows that higher BCS may protect against dementia, stroke, and depression. Physical factors include blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c, and BMI. Lifestyle factors cover nutrition, alcohol consumption, aerobic activity, sleep, and smoking, while socio-emotional factors involve relationships, stress management, and life purpose.
Doing aerobic exercise is one of 12 factors that could help lower your risk of developing depression later in life, according to a new study. Elena Popova/Moment RF/Getty Images
Using data from the UK Biobank, tracking over 350,000 people for around 13 years, researchers found that a 5-point BCS increase reduces late-life depression risk by 33%. The study underscores the importance of lifelong brain care. Dr. Richard Isaacson, a neurologist, emphasized that maintaining physical activity, a healthy diet, and social engagement benefits brain health. The findings suggest that brain care should start early, as brain pathology can begin decades before symptoms of cognitive decline appear.
