Brain health refers to how well your brain functions across thinking, memory, mood, movement, and daily activities throughout life. Research shows that brain health is closely linked to the health of blood vessels, heart function, lifestyle behaviors (such as physical activity, sleep, and nutrition), and social and emotional well-being. Studies from our team and others demonstrate that managing vascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking can help preserve brain structure and cognitive function as we age.

Neurological conditions such as stroke and dementia often develop silently over many years. Up to 40% of dementia cases and nearly 90% of strokes may be preventable through better control of vascular and lifestyle risk factors. Taking care of your brain health earlier in life not only helps reduce the risk of serious neurological diseases but also improves energy, independence, and overall quality of life as you grow older.

Changes in brain health often begin decades before memory problems appear. Midlife is a critical window to:

• Reduce risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
• Address social and environmental barriers to care.
• Identify early cognitive changes sooner.

Research shows that early intervention can slow cognitive decline and improve long-term brain health outcomes.

BRIDGE uses electronic health record (EHR) tools to identify patients with:

• Social risk factors (such as housing or food insecurity).
• Brain health risks (cardiovascular risk, family history of dementia, or memory concerns).

A specially trained Brain Health nurse then:

• Conducts phone-based cognitive and functional screenings.
• Helps coordinate care and follow-up.
• Connects patients to social work, lifestyle programs, and specialty brain health services when needed.

This creates a seamless pathway between primary care and neurology.

The BRIDGE Initiative focuses on improving brain health during midlife-a critical period when prevention can have the greatest impact. By combining education, early screening, lifestyle support, and connections to clinical care, BRIDGE helps individuals reduce risk factors for stroke and cognitive decline before symptoms begin.

Yes. Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute (HHRI) hosts several ongoing research programs focused on brain health, stroke prevention, dementia risk, and the impact of lifestyle and social factors on brain aging. These efforts are led through the Brain Health & Cerebrovascular Care Lab and related initiatives, which study innovative ways to prevent neurological disease and promote lifelong brain wellness.