Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 7, 2025
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years.
But you don’t have to take these threats lying down.
While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes to your health.
Luckily, that’s precisely the case with these three age-related threats.
In fact, new research reveals that reducing your risk for any one of these devastating conditions slashes your risk of all three.
And a recent study has given us a handy “checklist” to do precisely that.
In a new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, researchers analyzed 59 previous studies to uncover any overlapping risk factors associated with stroke, dementia, and depression.
Once they crunched the data, they found that at least 60 percent of stroke, 40 percent of dementia, and 35 percent of depression cases are attributable to modifiable risk factors.
They pinpointed 17 of these shared between at least two of the three conditions. Addressing any ONE of these risks could lower your chances of developing all three diseases:
- High blood pressure
- Severe kidney disease
- Elevated fasting plasma glucose
- High total cholesterol
- Excess alcohol use
- Poor diet
- Hearing loss
- Chronic pain
- Physical inactivity
- Lack of purpose in life
- Poor sleep (including insomnia and sleep apnea)
- Smoking
- Limited social engagement
- Chronic stress
- High BMI/obesity
- Air pollution exposure
- Limited cognitive leisure activities
They found that high blood pressure and severe kidney problems packed the biggest punch when it came to increasing risk.
However, on the flip side, staying physically active and keeping your brain engaged with things like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills is linked to a lower risk of disease.
What’s really exciting is that this research clarifies the connections between these brain conditions. It reminds us that preventing disease doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems.
This list of modifiable risk factors provides a practical game plan for protecting our brains as we age. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with trying to prevent stroke, dementia, and depression separately, we can focus on tackling these shared risk factors.
It’s like a three-for-one deal: Three health benefits for the price of one lifestyle change!
P.S. Drive-thru disaster hits fast forward on aging.
Source:
Senff J, Tack RWP, Mallick A, et al., Modifiable risk factors for stroke, dementia and late-life depression: a systematic review and DALY-weighted risk factors for a composite outcome, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, April 2025. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2024-334925
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...