With the rise of wellness apps, smartwatches, and other tracking devices, key health data is easier to access. This includes heart and breathing rates, weight, daily steps, sleep quality, and more. Yet, when it comes to the most essential organ, we’ve historically been left without a way to track its well-being on our own.
Being able to actively protect our brains should not be complicated, especially as cognitive decline continues to be a growing concern for many adults. Luckily, a comprehensive assessment tool called the McCance Brain Care Score is changing the way we’re able to evaluate and improve our cognitive health.
Keep reading to learn:
- What the McCance Brain Care Score is
- How to interpret your Brain Care Score results
- Actionable steps you can take to foster optimal brain health
Understanding the McCance Brain Care Score
Developed by researchers at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, part of Mass General Brigham, the Brain Care Score assesses various aspects of your daily life and medical history.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The test was designed to be accessible, meaning you do not need an invasive procedure to get a clear picture of your cognitive trajectory.
- By completing a detailed questionnaire and providing standard medical metrics, the test assigns you a brain care score (BCS).
- This score acts as a baseline, showing you exactly how your current habits and health status can impact your brain health.
- Once your score is determined, you and your healthcare provider can evaluate the specific risk factors associated with cognitive decline and take a more proactive approach to cognitive wellness.
The Brain Care Score’s Three Core Pillars
To provide a complete picture of how your overall health impacts your brain, the assessment evaluates three distinct factors: physical, lifestyle, and social/emotional.
- Physical factors – body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and cholesterol
- Lifestyle factors – diet, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and physical activity
- Social/emotional factors – stress levels, sleep quality, and social relationships
Why the Brain Care Score Matters
Once you have your results, the next step is understanding them. The BCS is designed to highlight the specific areas where you have the most room for improvement. A higher score indicates better cognitive protection, while a lower score shows areas requiring immediate attention.
Monitoring Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Hemoglobin A1C
A significant portion of your physical score relies on cardiovascular and metabolic health. Your brain requires a steady, healthy supply of blood to function properly. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels over time and restrict flow. Managing your blood pressure and blood sugar is also critical because high glucose levels can cause inflammation and vascular damage. If these are things you struggle with, your doctor will most likely also monitor your hemoglobin A1C. Measuring your average blood sugar levels, and keeping them within a healthy range, can directly impact your brain care score.
BMI and Physical Health
Your BMI is another crucial metric evaluated during the test because a high BMI can accelerate cognitive decline. If your score suggests your physical health needs to improve, try focusing on moderate, consistent exercise and a nutrient-dense diet.
How to Reach Optimal Brain Health
Once you understand your results, your next thought might be, “So, how can I take better care of my brain?”
Step 1: Work with your primary care provider (PCP) to manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1C.
Step 2: Take action based on your PCP’s suggestions, whether it’s making simple dietary changes, being more active to increase blood flow to the brain, or limiting your alcohol intake.
Step 3: Prioritize the social/emotional factors that can negatively impact your cognitive health, such as chronic stress, poor sleep, and isolation. Try to make key changes such as:
- Getting eight hours of quality sleep each night
- Engaging in activities that reduce stress, such as meditation, reading, or spending time in nature
- Maintaining strong connections with friends and family
The Importance of Taking Care of Your Brain
Protecting your brain shouldn’t be a guessing game. Using the Brain Care Score, you can have a better understanding of the physical, lifestyle, and social/emotional factors that influence your cognitive well-being so you can take control of your future.
Find Senior Living Options That Support Brain Health
Cognitive decline is a significant concern many older adults deal with as they age. Because of this, it’s important to explore senior living options that support better brain health—and Silver Bridges Consulting can help!
We understand when cognitive issues are part of the equation, your needs may be urgent, which is why we prioritize same-day responses. Just make your initial request and immediately get help finding senior living solutions that are the best fit for you or your loved one, whether you are searching for:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Memory care
