A recent study by Mass General Brigham researchers reveals that women with higher McCance Brain Care Scores (BCS) face significantly lower risks of stroke and other cerebrovascular events.
Published in Neurology, the study highlights the BCS as a powerful predictor of stroke risk in women—a leading cause of death in this group.
The McCance BCS evaluates 12 modifiable factors across physical health, lifestyle, and social-emotional well-being, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI, diet, smoking, physical activity, sleep, social relationships, stress, and life purpose. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating better brain health.
Analyzing data from 21,271 women aged around 58 in the Women’s Health Study, researchers found that over a median 22.4-year follow-up, 6.1% experienced a cerebrovascular event.
Women with a five-point higher baseline BCS were 37% less likely to suffer such events, even after adjusting for age, menopause status, hormone therapy, and other cardiovascular risks.
Senior author Dr. Nirupama Yechoor emphasized the score’s value in predicting stroke risk and called for further research across diverse populations to understand how changes in BCS over time affect cerebrovascular health.
This study underscores the importance of holistic brain health management to reduce stroke risk in women, encouraging lifestyle and social-emotional improvements as key preventive strategies.
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