Take Care of Your Brain, Shape Your Future

Brain health: In the U.S., someone dies from a stroke every 4 minutes, and dementia affects 1 in 7 people. The good news is that more than 60% of strokes are preventable — and your brain health is far more under your control than you might think.

Dr. Jonathan Rosand from Harvard and the Mass General team developed the McCance Brain Care Score, the first tool to measure your level of brain protection.

12 Factors Determining Brain Health

Physical: Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI
Lifestyle: Nutrition, alcohol, smoking, exercise, sleep
Social-Emotional: Stress, relationships, sense of purpose in life

Assessed on a total of 21 points. Higher scores = stronger protection against stroke, dementia, and depression.

Groundbreaking Findings

5 points higher → 33% lower stroke risk (even in your 60s).
A high score also means a healthier heart and lower cancer risk.
Benefits start at any age — it’s never too late to improve.
Small steps matter. Add a serving of vegetables. Take the stairs. Call an old friend. Every choice builds brain resilience.

“Take care of your brain, and 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.