Every 4 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies from a stroke. Dementia affects 1 in 7 Americans. But here’s the good news: research shows that over 60% of strokes are preventable — and you have more control over your brain health than you think.
Harvard’s Dr. Jonathan Rosand and the team at Mass General created the McCance Brain Care Score — the first tool that measures how well you’re protecting your brain.
✨ 12 Factors That Shape Your Brain Health
🔹 Physical: Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI
🔹 Lifestyle: Nutrition, alcohol, smoking, exercise, sleep
🔹 Social-Emotional: Stress, relationships, meaning in life
Scored out of 21 points, higher scores = stronger protection against stroke, dementia, and even depression.
🔑 Game-Changing Findings:
- A 5-point higher score → 33% lower stroke risk (even in your 60s).
- Higher scores also = healthier hearts and lower cancer risk.
- Benefits start anytime — it’s never too late to improve.
💡 Small steps count. Add one serving of veggies. Take the stairs. Call an old friend. Every choice builds resilience.
“Take care of your brain, and the rest of your body will follow.” — Dr. Rosand
Reference: Rosand J, et al. “The Brain Care Score: Measuring and Promoting Brain Health.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia. 2022;18(11):2370-2383. Massachusetts General Hospital, McCance Center for Brain Health.
