What Is the Brain Care Score? A Simple Way to Think About Brain Health
What can I do to take better care of my brain? It’s a question many people ask, especially after a stroke or when someone in their family has experienced memory problems.
The Brain Care Score is a tool developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital to help people think about that question. It looks at 12 areas of health and daily life that may affect brain health. The total score is out of 21 points, with a higher score reflecting more brain-supporting habits and health measures.
What does it look at?
The 12 areas fall into three groups:
Physical health: blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI)
Daily habits: nutrition, alcohol use, smoking, physical activity, and sleep
Social and emotional well-being: stress, relationships, and a sense of purpose
Some of these may be familiar from a visit with your primary care provider. Others—like staying connected with people and having meaningful activities in your life—may be less obvious parts of brain care.
What does your score mean?
Your score is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis or a prediction of what will happen to you. It can help you notice an area you’d like to work on and discuss it with your healthcare team.
You also don’t have to change everything at once. One person might start by asking their doctor about blood pressure. Another might work on a more consistent sleep routine or find a way to be active that fits their abilities. The most useful next step is one that is realistic for you.
Brain health is part of everyday life
At Neuro Comeback Clinic, we care about the activities that give each person’s life meaning. That might be keeping up with family plans, getting back into the community, or reconnecting with friends after a brain injury. The Brain Care Score offers a way to look at health more broadly, including the habits and connections that support life outside the clinic.
If you’re curious about your score, explore the Brain Care Score from Mass General Brigham and talk with your healthcare provider about what your results mean for you.
Comments