Predicting Risk of Dementia and Stroke Using Your 'Brain Care Score'

A novel examination may predict your likelihood of developing dementia or experiencing a stroke, as per recent research.

The Brain Care Score (BCS), a tool newly introduced to gauge cerebral wellbeing, pertains to a person's performance in relation to 12 health-associated factors. These factors encompass physical, lifestyle, and socio-emotional parameters.

An early monthly study published in Frontiers in Neurology revealed that individuals with a higher BCS are at a diminished risk of developing dementia or suffering from a stroke later in their lives.

The BCS was formulated in collaboration with patients, their families, and healthcare providers, said the study's author and principal investigator, Dr. Jonathan Rosand. Dr. Rosand, who is also a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, works at the Center for Genomic Medicine at Mass General Research Institute.

They embarked on the project by asking patients and their families about ways to care for brain health and avoid conditions like strokes and dementia like their parents. Dr. Rosand further elaborated that the BCS applies scientific knowledge to generate useful insights about an individual's future risk of stroke or dementia.

The study discovered a 59% reduced risk of developing dementia and a 48% decreased chance of experiencing a stroke among individuals under 50 years of age, with every five-point enhancement in the BCS.

BS's components incorporate recommendations found in The American Heart Association’s Life's Essential Eight, which is created for cardiovascular health, along with many modifiable risk factors related to common cancers, stated Dr. Rosand. He explained that what benefits the brain is also beneficial for the heart and the rest of the body.

Since dementia and strokes impact diverse backgrounds and all genders worldwide, Dr. Rosand emphasized that all individuals stand to gain from utilizing the BCS. He added that making improvements based on the test results can enhance overall health.

The BCS takes into consideration physical factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and body mass index, lifestyle considerations such as nutrition, alcohol intake, aerobic exercises, sleeping patterns as well as quitting smoking, and socio-emotional aspects like relationship management, stress, and finding life's purpose.

Amanda Price, a health coach and personal trainer, spoke about addressing these factors in advance to significantly improve future health. She explained that Alzheimer's disease typically develops over 15-20 years before symptoms appear, hence the need for lifestyle changes in midlife. She also noted that strokes tend to occur at an earlier age in men, while women become more susceptible post-menopause.

Dr. Rosand clarified that your BCS score isn't set for life as each health factor evaluated in the test can be altered. Lowering blood pressure or quitting smoking can add points to your score.

Dr. Logan DuBose, geriatrics specialist and co-founder of Olera, suggested adopting a healthy diet, exercising, and forging meaningful relationships as effective ways to increase your BCS score and lower dementia and stroke risks.

Apart from these habits, maintaining sleeping patterns of 7-8 hours a night, not excessively smoking or drinking, and observing regular medical check-ups can contribute to lower dementia and stroke risks, says Dr. DuBose. He added that balancing hormones is also a crucial factor in preventing dementia, an element that isn't highlighted in the BCS.

Similarly, other preventative measures include strength training, being cognizant of toxin exposure, and ensuring the intake of sufficient omega-3 fatty acids (from oily fish), B vitamins, and vitamin D. Price also championed the importance of cerebral stimulation, particularly in midlife, to help mitigate cognitive decline.

According to Dr. Rosand, the BCS offers a practical way for individuals to take ownership of their brain's health.

While this is true for everyone, people who are in midlife may experience the biggest benefit of the BCS.

“For prevention of stroke or dementia, it appears screening with BCS may be beneficial for people 40 to 50 years old,” said DuBose.

Researchers found that those in their 50s who used the BCS during the study to raise their score had a 32% lower risk of dementia and a 52% lower chance of stroke. Meanwhile, participants older than 59 had an 8% lower risk of dementia and a 33% lower risk of stroke.

For this reason, midlife is the key window of opportunity to make sure you are doing what you can to mitigate your risk—especially if you had a family member who suffered from Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“It is never too soon or too late to gain an understanding of your current health and dementia risk, though,” said Price. “However, the most benefit would be had for those 40 [and older].”