The Vital Role of Brain Health
The brain is one of the most important organs in the body, and keeping it healthy is key to preventing life-threatening conditions that affect this vital organ.
Dr. Jonathan Rosand, a professor of neurology at Harvard University, treats patients with head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and strokes at Massachusetts General Hospital. He worked with a team of researchers to create a system that measures brain health called the Brain Care Score.
An Innovative Approach
Rosand remarked, ‘I was getting a set of questions from patients and their families routinely. Doctor, how can I take good care of my brain so I don’t end up with a stroke like my father, or lose my memory like my brother?’
This inspired him to explore opportunities for extbf{primary prevention of dementia, stroke, and depression}. The premise is that factors like lifestyle choices can determine the risk of developing these conditions. For instance, treating high blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to prevent both stroke and dementia, as highlighted in Mass General’s Brain Care Score overview.
How to Get Your Brain Care Score
To receive your Brain Care Score, you complete a quick quiz that assesses your dietary habits, blood pressure levels, social relationships, and more. It takes about five minutes to finish. The score is on a 21-point scale, with a higher score indicating a healthier brain.
Key Questions in the Quiz
The test includes questions about:
- Your resting blood pressure
- Smoking habits
- Amount of weekly physical activity
- Sleep duration and disorders
- Stress management techniques
‘Raising your score cut even your genetic risk.’
Impact of the Brain Care Score
Recent research indicates a higher Brain Care Score correlates with a lower risk of dementia, depression, and stroke, as shown in a study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry. An article in Neurology also supported this link between a high Brain Care Score and reduced incidence of brain diseases.
Even if your score is low initially, Rosand insists that improvements can be made. ‘Whatever is most appealing to you, that’s where you start,’ he states. Activities can range from working on sleep quality or reducing alcohol consumption, which can set off a domino effect of positive changes across the score categories.
Assessment Factors
The Brain Care Score assesses numerous factors affecting brain health:
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar levels
- Cholesterol levels
- Body Mass Index
- Nutrition
- Alcohol intake
- Tobacco use
- Aerobic activity
- Sleep practices
- Stress management
- Social relationships
- Life meaning
Ultimately, the key is to use the score as a personal guide to improve health. Rosand mentions, ‘It’s really helpful when you go to the doctor if you bring the score with you, having already decided on areas you’d like to work on.’
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