A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published today in the journal Stroke, highlights that brain health is shaped by a range of factors from early life through old age, including mental health, sleep, environment, and social conditions. The statement, titled “Brain Health Across the Life Span: A Framework for Future Studies,” underscores that experiences starting early in life can influence the risk of stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia later in life.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of adults aged 65 and older is projected to rise from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, a 42% increase. This aging population is expected to increase the prevalence of brain conditions affecting memory, thinking, and mental health. “As medical and scientific advancements have extended life expectancies, brain health has become increasingly important,” said Dr. Elisabeth Marsh, chair of the statement’s writing group and professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
The statement reviews recent research showing that mental health conditions such as chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can change the brain, increasing the risk of memory loss and stroke. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, may raise the risk of learning difficulties and cognitive decline. Chronic inflammation, gut microbiome imbalances, obesity, poor sleep, and social drivers of health like lower socioeconomic status are also linked to brain health. Environmental exposures to air pollution, heavy metals, and microplastics can damage the brain over time.
Healthy lifestyle habits, including those outlined in the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, such as regular physical activity, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, healthy sleep, avoiding smoking, and managing stress, can support brain health. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fiber and fermented foods may also benefit the gut microbiome and brain.
The statement urges health care professionals and policymakers to prioritize mental health screening, expand access to care, and address social conditions to promote brain health. The American Heart Association and the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group have committed more than $43 million through the AHA-Allen Initiative in Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment to advance research in this area.
“Brain health is a lifelong journey, influenced by our mental well-being, environment and lifestyle choices from childhood through late adulthood,” said Dr. Mitchell Elkind, the Association’s Chief Science Officer for Brain Health and Stroke. “Every stage of life offers a new opportunity to nurture our brains and minds, supporting healthier aging and reducing the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, stroke, depression and other brain disorders.”
