Three of the most common aging-related diseases share many of the same risk factors — and they can all be reduced through lifestyle changes.

That’s according to a new study from Mass General Brigham (MGB), which identified 17 common risk factors all linked to stroke, dementia and late-life depression.

The researchers combed through previously published studies of risk factors associated with those three conditions, then determined which ones can be controlled through healthy behaviors.

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They also predicted the impact each risk factor had on quality of life and mortality, according to a press release from MGB.

The 17 risk factors that are shared by at least two of the diseases include blood pressure, kidney disease, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, alcohol use, diet, hearing loss, pain, physical activity, purpose in life, sleep, smoking, social engagement and stress, the researchers listed. 

The findings were published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.

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Senior author Sanjula Singh, MD, PhD, principal investigator at the Brain Care Labs at Massachusetts General Hospital, described the discovery as “hopeful.”

“This means there are real opportunities for prevention. Whether it’s managing your blood pressure, staying physically active, eating well or maintaining social connections, small changes in your daily routine can help you take better care of your brain over time,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Small changes in your daily routine can help you take better care of your brain over time.”

Brian Snelling, MD, of the Miami Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, was not involved in the study but shared his input on the findings.

“The influence of factors like chronic pain and a sense of purpose on brain health was notable and often overlooked in neurological care,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“Also, the suggestion that reduced activity may be a symptom rather than a cause of brain disease challenges how we interpret early signs.”

Total cholesterol was one of the modifiable risk factors shared by at least two of the three cognitive disorders. (iStock)

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, said he agrees with the findings of the study.

“These factors are all well-proven to decrease inflammation in the body and thereby the risk of stroke, dementia and late-life depression,” he told Fox News Digital.

Incremental changes

To keep from becoming overwhelmed, the researchers recommend regarding the 17 factors as a “menu of options.”

“You don’t have to address them all at once — starting with one to three small, realistic changes can already make a meaningful difference,” said Singh. “These findings might help people consider which of these 17 risk factors could be a starting point to take better care of their brains.”

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Singling out one area to start with, Singh recommended measuring blood pressure and taking steps to keep it at a healthy level.

“There are many ways to control your blood pressure — reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, eating more fruits and vegetables, managing stress and taking medication when prescribed,” she advised. 

Singling out one area to start with, the lead study author (not pictured) recommended measuring blood pressure and taking steps to keep it at a healthy level. (iStock)

Other important areas to focus on include sleep, social connections, blood sugar and physical activity, according to the researcher. 

“The most important thing is to start somewhere — even small improvements can make a meaningful difference for your brain health,” she said.

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Many of the factors are interconnected, Singh noted. 

“Progress in one area often supports progress in others,” she said. “For example, becoming more active may help to improve sleep or lower blood pressure.”

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Managing blood pressure and kidney health, as well as staying mentally and socially engaged, are key strategies to protect the brain, according to Snelling.

“Proactive brain care should start well before symptoms appear,” he said.

Limitations of the study

Like any study, Singh noted, this one had several limitations. 

“We focused on modifiable risk factors that overlapped with at least two out of the three conditions — as a result, we may have excluded important risk factors that are specific to just one condition, particularly certain psychological or behavioral factors related to late-life depression,” she told Fox News Digital. 

Maintaining social connections is one of the most important strategies for protecting brain health, according to experts. (iStock)

The researchers also relied only on existing meta-analyses, which meant some potentially important factors in smaller studies may have been missed. 

“Additionally, the strength of evidence varied across risk factors and conditions, and we couldn’t establish causality — only associations,” Singh said. “Still, we hope this work offers a useful starting point for prevention-focused research.”

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Snelling agreed that while the large review shows strong associations, it doesn’t confirm cause and effect. 

“It also highlights the need for more high-quality data, especially around late-life depression.”

“Proactive brain care should start well before symptoms appear.”

Overall, experts agreed the study emphasizes that lifestyle changes can be instrumental in promoting health and longevity.

“Diet, exercise, sleep and having a purpose in life aren’t just good for brain health — they are also critical in preventing numerous chronic diseases,” family physician Dr. Brintha Vasagar, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, told Fox News Digital.

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“Your family medicine physician can help you identify which changes would have the most impact on your health.”

Cases of an invasive strain of strep throat have been steadily rising in some areas of the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The surveillance study, which was published in JAMA, showed that the incidence of group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection “substantially increased” from 2013 to 2022.

Affected states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Tennessee.

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The overall incidence more than doubled, going from 3.6 to 8.2 cases per 100,000 persons at that time, according to the findings.

Infection rates were higher among residents of long-term care facilities, the homeless population and injection drug users.

While incidence was highest among people 65 and older, the relative increase over time was biggest among adults aged 18 to 64.

“Accelerated efforts to prevent and control GAS are needed, especially among groups at highest risk of infection,” the CDC researchers concluded in the study.

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According to a CIDRAP press release by the University of Minnesota, GAS is most known for causing non-invasive diseases like strep throat and impetigo.

The strain can also cause more severe infections, like sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

GAS can lead to more severe infections, like sepsis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. (iStock)

The researchers identified 21,213 cases of invasive GAS, leading to 20,247 hospitalizations and 1,981 deaths.

Bacteremic cellulitis was the most common disease caused by GAS, according to the press release, followed by septic shock, pneumonia and bacteria in the bloodstream without an apparent cause (known as bacteremia without focus).

“The recent assault of viruses, including COVID-19, has weakened people’s immune systems.”

In an accompanying JAMA editorial, Joshua Osowicki, MBBS, PhD, a pediatric infectious diseases physician at Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, said there has been a global uptick in GAS cases following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In any of its forms — from skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, bone and joint infections, or sepsis without a clear clinical focus — invasive GAS can be insidious and unpredictable, testing the lifesaving capacity of even the world’s most advanced medical facilities,” he wrote. 

“We really need a vaccine against this, but don’t have it,” Dr. Marc Siegel shared. (iStock)

“Surges of invasive and noninvasive GAS disease in 2022 and 2023 have been reported in countries spanning the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, with new reports of the same phenomenon still coming to light.”

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel commented that GAS requires early intervention, as it can be “quite life-threatening” and “misperceived” as something milder.

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“We really need a vaccine against this, but don’t have it,” he told Fox News Digital.

“[It’s] increasing dramatically among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, including the homeless, substance abusers, those with increased skin breakdown and those sharing needles.”

The infection is also associated with IV fentanyl use as part of the opioid epidemic, Siegel added.

After a dip in cases during the coronavirus pandemic, the rate of infections was 30% higher than the previous peak seen in February 2017. (iStock)

In 2023, strep throat infections caused by GAS skyrocketed, mostly in children, according to a report from Epic Research.

After a dip in cases during the coronavirus pandemic, the rate of infections was 30% higher than the previous peak seen in February 2017, the report found.

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Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona, previously shared with Fox News Digital that rates of GAS, including the more dangerous invasive type, were “at the highest levels seen in years.”

In an interview with Fox News Digital at the time, Siegel reported that the spike in cases is likely a result of other circulating viruses.

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“The recent assault of viruses, including COVID-19, has weakened people’s immune systems,” he said. “Also, we haven’t been on the lookout for them and have missed cases.”

Group A strep is best treated with antibiotics unless a more severe illness is contracted, according to Johnson.

“Antibiotics for strep throat reduce how long you are sick and prevent the infection from getting more severe and spreading to other parts of the body,” she said.

Group A strep cases in 2023 were most identified in kids aged 4 to 13. (iStock)

Group A strep bacteria commonly spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, according to the CDC, but can spread through infected sores on the skin.

To help reduce the spread, doctors say to wash hands often with soap and water, avoid sharing glasses or utensils with those who are infected, and cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

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“If you have strep throat, stay home until you no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours,” Johnson advised.

Fox News Digital reached out to the CDC for comment.

While the “official” full retirement age in the U.S. is 67, according to the Social Security Administration, the average American stops working at 62 years old.

But not everyone retires — an AARP survey last year found that a quarter of people over 50 expect to never leave their jobs.

That might not be all bad, according to some experts who believe retirement could actually be harmful to the health.

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Dan Buettner, a Florida-based author, explorer and longevity expert, has spent years researching the world’s “blue zones,” where a greater number of people live to be 100. In those areas, he says, the notion of retirement doesn’t really exist.

“Instead of this artificial punctuation between your useful and productive life and a life of repose, people in blue zones are powered by purpose for their entire lives,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. 

While retirement has been linked to less stress and more relaxation, Buettner noted that when people retire, their chances of dying spike.

COMMON SUPPLEMENT COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, RESEARCH SUGGESTS

“We don’t know if this is because they become less active, or they lose their sense of purpose, or they lose their social work, or they go home to have troublesome situations,” he said. 

“But the message is clear — the longer you can stay active, physically and mentally, and contribute the talent you have to offer the world, the more you’ll be rewarded with a longer life.”

“It’s pretty difficult to be happy without purpose — it’s a lot easier when you’re clear on your purpose and passion,” an expert said. (iStock)

Dr. Kyle Elliott, a tech career coach and mental health expert in California, said that one reason for the emphasis on retirement is that many people don’t enjoy their current jobs. 

“Professionals often look toward retirement as an escape from their careers — but rather than focusing on retirement, consider trying to find joy in your current work,” he told Fox News Digital.

“The longer you can stay active, physically and mentally, the more you’ll be rewarded with a longer life.”

“If your current work doesn’t bring you fulfillment, it might be time to explore new opportunities,” he went on. “When people enjoy their work, they’re less likely to be counting down the days until retirement, and their good feelings positively impact their day-to-day lives.”

Benefits of not retiring

People who retire are more prone to loneliness, have lower energy levels and often “lose their sense of meaning,” according to Buettner.

“Unless you truly hate your job, the link between longevity and not retiring is very important,” he said.

“One of the worst things you can do for your health is disengage from those around you,” one expert said. (iStock)

“Having a meaningful job can provide the impetus for us to get out of bed in the morning, get out of the easy chair, keep our brains engaged and keep our bodies moving — these are the things that really fuel longevity.”

Elliott echoed the importance of engagement and activity as people age.

“One of the worst things you can do for your health is disengage from those around you,” he said. “Work provides a structured opportunity to continue to socialize and have purpose in life.”

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Having a consistent routine can also lead to health benefits, Buettner said — chiefly, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, which is more likely to happen with a work schedule.

“Sleep is the most important thing you can do for your overall health,” Buettner said.

“It’s pretty difficult to be happy without purpose — it’s a lot easier when you’re clear on your purpose and passion.” (iStock)

Elliott agreed that adhering to routines can significantly benefit mental health and longevity.

“You want to focus on engaging in those activities that boost your energy and well-being, while simultaneously removing those that drain your energy and negatively impact your self-care,” he advised. “As you near retirement age, this might look like switching careers or adjusting your social circle.”

Having a sense of purpose is one of the biggest benefits of opting not to retire, according to both experts.

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“It’s pretty difficult to be happy without purpose — it’s a lot easier when you’re clear on your purpose and passion,” Elliott said. 

“When you’re clear on what drives you, you can use this clarity to motivate you during great times and provide resilience during difficult ones.”

“If you keep working, you can often take advantage of an employer health plan, you can delay taking Social Security benefits, and you’ll get a bigger paycheck in the future,” the longevity expert said. (iStock)

Buettner cited the famous “Nun Study,” a longitudinal study of aging and dementia that included 678 nuns in Mankato, Minnesota, many of whom lived past 100 years old.

“Those who lived the longest articulated their sense of purpose, the reason they woke up early,” Buettner said.

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People who have a strong purpose are more likely to stay physically fit, eat nutritious foods, form healthy social relationships and take their medications, according to the expert.

“One very good study showed that people who maintain their sense of purpose live about eight years longer than people who are rudderless,” Buettner added.

Having a consistent routine, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, can lead to health benefits. (iStock)

There are also financial benefits to keeping a job.

“If you keep working, you can often take advantage of an employer health plan, you can delay taking Social Security benefits, and you’ll get a bigger paycheck in the future,” said Buettner. “Not only that, you’ll have more money to enjoy your vacations.” 

Different flavors of retirement

Retirement doesn’t have to look the same for everyone and doesn’t have to be “all or nothing,” according to Buettner.

“If you’re in a job that you hate, you probably shouldn’t keep doing that to the grave — but finding a job that lines up with your passions and your strengths might be the very best life change you can make at any age,” he said.

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“If you’re doing something you love every day, you’re engaging your purpose and innate desire to contribute, and are more likely to be happy.”

Statistically, according to Buettner, the happiest people in the world work about 30 to 35 hours a week.

“If you’re doing something you love every day, you’re engaging your purpose and innate desire to contribute.”

“That leaves plenty of time to be physically active, nurture your family, spend time with friends and give back meaningfully,” he said. “This is how we configure a life that will not only help you live longer, but also better.”

Elliott agreed, noting that while it’s not necessarily a bad thing to look forward to retirement, it can be helpful — and healthy — to find work that brings you fulfillment and allows you to remain mentally, physically and socially active as you age.

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“Retirement doesn’t have to mean completely leaving the workforce — instead, it might look like engaging in a new line of work, pursuing volunteer efforts, taking up hobbies or even starting a business,” he said. 

“This transition can be the perfect opportunity to explore new interests and continue to live an intentional life.”