A recent study examined how several lifestyle factors influence the risk of late-life depression,dementia,and stroke.Results show that healthier lifestyles are linked to lower incidences of late-life depression and a reduced risk of combined outcomes,including stroke,dementia,and late-life depression.Opting for a healthier lifestyle is beneficial for brain health and may contribute to improved long-term health outcomes.

　　Research on how everyday activities and lifestyle choices contribute to mental well-being and brain health is ongoing.One area of interest is how these lifestyle choices affect the later risk of depression.A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry examined how brain care measurements relate to the risk of late-life depression.

　　Study Overview

　　The study included data from over 355,000 participants.Researchers found that for each five-point increase in brain care scores,which indicate healthier lifestyle choices,there was a 33%reduced risk of late-life depression.Each five-point increase was also associated with a 27%decrease in the risk of a composite outcome of stroke,dementia,and late-life depression.These results suggest actionable steps to help people reduce their risk of age-related brain diseases.

　　Non-study author and psychotherapist Dr.Noah Kass shared his thoughts on the findings with Medical News Today.

　　Healthy Lifestyle Influences Depression,Dementia,and Stroke Risk

　　The study authors aimed to identify factors influencing brain health and their relation to late-life depression,defined as depression developing after age 60.Participants with conditions like schizophrenia,manic episodes,and bipolar affective disorder were excluded.Researchers used data from the UK Biobank,including 363,323 participants for late-life depression data and 358,198 for the composite event cohort that looked at dementia,stroke,and late-life depression together.

　　To assess brain health,researchers used a brain care score,a modified version of an existing tool to evaluate several risk factors for age-related brain diseases.The brain care score considers physical components such as:

　　•Blood pressure

　　•Cholesterol levels

　　•Body mass index(BMI)

　　It also includes lifestyle factors like nutrition,sleep,and alcohol intake,and social-emotional factors like stress levels,relationships,and purpose in life.For this study,researchers excluded the purpose of life measurement and modified the nutrition section.Higher scores indicate better brain health,with a maximum possible score of 19.

　　Key Findings

　　Researchers analyzed cases of late-life depression and conducted a subset sensitivity analysis using data from general practitioners.The average brain care score among participants was 12,with a median follow-up time of 12.5 and 12.4 years in the subpopulation analysis.

　　The study found that each five-point increase in brain care scores was associated with a 33%risk reduction in late-life depression.This reduction was even more pronounced for younger participants:those younger than 50 years at baseline had a 59%lower risk for late-life depression per five-point score increase.In the sensitivity analysis,a five-point increase was linked to a 40%reduced risk for late-life depression.

　　Additionally,each five-point increase in brain care scores was associated with a 27%reduction in the incidence of dementia,stroke,or late-life depression.

　　More Research Needed

　　Despite its implications,the research has limitations.The UK Biobank sample may not represent the general population,so caution is needed when generalizing the results.Future research could include data from participants in other countries.Also,components of brain care scores relied on self-reporting,which could lead to inaccuracies,and there is a risk of missing data,such as undiagnosed depression.

　　Study author Christopher D.Anderson shared thoughts on future research in this area with MNT.

　　Tips to Improve Brain Health

　　The brain care score includes aspects like blood sugar average,cholesterol levels,blood pressure,smoking status,vigorous activity measurement,and mental elements like stress levels.People can work on these aspects with appropriate help from doctors and specialists.

　　Dr.Alex Dimitriu,a double board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist,noted that this study serves as a reminder of areas where improvement can enhance brain health.He added that these factors,backed by research,can motivate individuals to improve their lifestyle choices.

　　Anderson emphasized the importance of these findings for promoting brain health and reducing the risk of age-related brain diseases.