Most people will experience the natural stages of life — birth, aging, illness, and death — and as we grow older, the risk of developing chronic diseases also increases. Recently, renowned nephrologist Dr. Chiang Shou-shan shared findings from an international study revealing that stroke, dementia, and depression share 17 common risk factors. Remarkably, one simple method can help lower the risk of all three — regularly engaging in problem-solving leisure activities, such as doing puzzles.
According to Dr. Chiang’s Facebook post, the study — published in The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry in 2025 — was conducted by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. By analyzing multiple studies related to stroke, dementia, and depression, the team identified 17 overlapping risk factors among these conditions.
Among these, high blood pressure was the most significant, followed by chronic kidney disease. Another key factor was the lack of mentally stimulating leisure activities such as puzzles or chess. The study found that keeping the brain active through thought-based recreation significantly reduces the likelihood of developing all three illnesses.
Other risk factors included smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, excessive alcohol intake, poor diet, hearing loss, chronic pain, sedentary lifestyle, lack of purpose, prolonged stress, depressive tendencies, sleep deprivation, and low social engagement.
Dr. Chiang explained that stroke, dementia, and depression are strongly interrelated — the onset of one can increase the risk of the others. However, because these diseases share many of the same risk factors, improving just one aspect of lifestyle can simultaneously help lower the risk of all three conditions.
