BTN News: Scientists announced in December a breakthrough in brain health with the creation of the Brain Care Score (BCS), a 21-point tool designed to evaluate the risk of dementia and stroke without invasive medical procedures. This innovative score also offers insights into lifestyle changes that can benefit brain health and now shows promise in predicting depression risk in later life.
According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, the Brain Care Score assesses 12 factors related to physical health, lifestyle, and socioemotional well-being. The findings suggest that a higher BCS is linked to a lower risk of developing depression after the age of 60. The BCS, developed by the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, offers a straightforward way for individuals to monitor and improve their brain health.
Dr. Jonathan Rosand, co-founder of the McCance Center and lead developer of the BCS, stated, “The Brain Care Score is designed to help anyone answer the question, ‘What can I do to take better care of my brain?'” He emphasized that enhancing the BCS could make the brain healthier and more resilient against diseases like dementia and stroke, while also potentially protecting against depression.
The BCS evaluates four physical health factors: blood pressure, cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and body mass index. It also considers five lifestyle factors: nutrition, alcohol consumption, aerobic activities, sleep, and smoking. Additionally, it includes three socioemotional aspects: relationships, stress management, and life purpose. Higher scores indicate a lower risk of brain disease.
The study, which analyzed health data from over 350,000 participants in the UK Biobank study, found that each five-point increase in the BCS was associated with a 33% lower risk of late-life depression and a 27% lower combined risk of late-life depression, dementia, and stroke over a 13-year follow-up period.
Dr. Richard Isaacson, a preventive neurologist at the Florida Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, commented on the study’s implications. He highlighted that maintaining physical activity, a healthy diet, minimal tobacco and alcohol use, a healthy weight, and social engagement benefits vascular health, mental health, and emotional well-being.
Interestingly, the study also discovered a significant relationship between baseline BCS and depression risk in individuals under 50, challenging the expectation that neurodegenerative and inflammatory changes leading to depression, dementia, and stroke occur only in older adults. This aligns with the understanding that diseases like Alzheimer’s can begin developing in the brain decades before symptoms appear.
Isaacson noted, “In our Alzheimer’s prevention clinic, we see patients as young as 25. This study reinforces that brain health should be a lifelong priority.” He compared the early development of brain disease to how high cholesterol in one’s 30s can lead to heart attacks or strokes later in life.
Dr. Sanjula Singh, the study’s lead author, emphasized the need for a holistic approach to brain health to better understand the interconnected pathways contributing to depression, dementia, and stroke in older age. She stressed that understanding these connections can guide more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
For older adults experiencing depression, seeking help is crucial. Dr. Isaacson urged them to be open about their struggles and consult with healthcare providers about treatment options, such as therapy or antidepressants, which may also offer cognitive benefits. Preliminary research suggests that certain antidepressants, like escitalopram, might slow the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
In conclusion, the Brain Care Score represents a significant advancement in brain health assessment, offering hope for reducing the risks of dementia, stroke, and depression through proactive lifestyle and health management. By adopting healthier habits and monitoring their BCS, individuals can take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more resilient brain.
