# Ten Healthy Habits Linked to Seven More Years Free of Stroke and Dementia

*Life's Essential 10 and brain health: A prospective cohort study.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Zhong nan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical sciences
- **Sample Size**: 122,953 adults aged 37-73, free of stroke and dementia at baseline
- **Authors**: DU Y, Yang F, Ye Q, Ripley-Gonzalez JW, He L, Liu F, Squires RW, Olson TP, Wu X, Gao S, Dun Y, Xia J, Liu S
- **Published**: 2026-06-28
- **Topics**: Brain Health, Longevity, Cardiovascular Health
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2026.260137
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42702379/

## Summary

Researchers took the American Heart Association's eight heart-health habits and added two more: how much you drink and how much you sit. Middle-aged adults in the UK who scored highest on all ten lived about seven more years free of stroke and dementia from age 50, compared to the lowest scorers. They also had roughly half to two-thirds the risk of dying during the 14-year follow-up. This is an observational study, so it shows a strong link rather than proof of cause.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests cutting back on alcohol and sitting time may matter for brain aging.

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