New tool shows promise in reducing depression risk in elderly

New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) US researchers have developed a novel tool that can help reduce the onset of depression in individuals over 60. Researchers from Mass General Brigham, in collaboration with Yale University, have shown that a higher Brain Care Score (BCS) is associated with a lower risk of late-life depression.The findings, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, highlight the potential of the BCS in helping patients make lifestyle changes to improve brain health.“The Brain Care Score is a simple tool designed to help anyone in the world answer the question, ‘What can I do to take better care of my brain?’ said Jonathan Rosand, co-founder of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital.The study indicates that raising the BCS can lower the risk of depression, dementia, and stroke.It also highlights a bright opportunity to prevent these conditions.The BCS focuses on modifiable risk factors: Physical (blood pressure, haemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, BMI), lifestyle (nutrition, alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity, sleep), and social/emotional (stress, relationships, life purpose).The study, based on data from over 350,000 participants, found that a five-point increase in BCS was associated with a 33 per cent lower risk of late-life depression, although researchers found a significant link between baseline BCS and depression risk in under-50s, contrary to expectations.They are now investigating the neurobiological basis of this association in younger individuals, although much remains to be learnt.--IANSts/rvt/rad

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