| Title: | Longitudinal Trajectories of Brain Health Risk Factors Measured by the Brain Care Score and Risk of Stroke, Dementia, and Depression |
| Journal: | Annals of Neurology |
| Published: | 9 Jan 2026 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41510843/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.78145 |
Publication 18669
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Evidence linking modifiable risk factors to age-related brain diseases, such as dementia, stroke, and depression (DSD), is robust, yet limited regarding long-term change in modifiable risk factors in association with these conditions, particularly in real-world settings. This study aimed to assess whether longitudinal changes in modifiable brain health risk factors were associated with reduced risk of DSD.</p>
METHODS: We analyzed UK Biobank data (2006-2019) from 155,469 participants with general practitioner-linked data. The Brain Care Score (BCS) assesses 12 modifiable risk factors across lifestyle, physical, and social-emotional domains. Longitudinal BCS measurements were derived from repeated general practitioner (GP)-recorded measurements. Changes in the BCS were modeled using linear mixed-effects models, and associations with DSD were evaluated using multivariable Cox models, adjusting for baseline BCS and genetic risk (polygenic risk scores for stroke and depression, and APOE genotype for dementia).</p>
RESULTS: Among 155,469 participants (median age = 51 years, 54.3% women), the median annual BCS change was 0.14 (Q1-Q3 = 0.008-0.30) points over a median follow-up of 12.3 years (Q1-Q3 = 11.5-13.1 years). Over time, 82.1% improved their BCS, 12.9% remained stable, and 5.0% worsened over time. Each 1-point annual increase in the BCS was associated with 4% lower risk of incident age-related brain diseases (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95-0.97).</p>
INTERPRETATION: In this large real-world cohort, improvements in modifiable risk factor profiles were associated with lower incidence of DSD, regardless of genetic risk or baseline BCS. Our results provide important information for communicating with patients about the brain health benefits of improving risk factor profiles. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1113-1123.</p>
13 Keywords
- Adult
- Aged
- Brain
- Dementia
- Depression
- Female
- Humans
- Longitudinal Studies
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Risk Factors
- Stroke
- United Kingdom
16 Authors
- Tamara N. Kimball
- Reinier W. P. Tack
- Livia Parodi
- Savvina Prapiadou
- Jasper R. Senff
- Benjamin Y. Q. Tan
- Marie-Gabrielle Duperron
- Devanshi Choksi
- Evy M. Reinders
- Cyprien A. Rivier
- Guido J. Falcone
- Nirupama Yechoor
- Sanjula D. Singh
- Jonathan Rosand
- Ernst Mayerhofer
- Christopher D. Anderson
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 36993 | Identification of genetic components underlying cerebrovascular diseases and their related outcomes |
Enabling scientific discoveries that improve human health