A study shows that a purpose or meaning in life can reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Researchers looked at evidence from eight previously published papers, including data from 62,250 seniors on three continents.
They found that a higher purpose or meaning in life was “significantly associated” with a reduced risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. In particular, having a sense of purpose was associated with a 19% lower rate of clinically significant cognitive impairment.
This meant they were almost one-fifth less likely to experience reductions in memory, language and thinking skills.
The researchers found that a higher purpose or meaning in life was “significantly associated” with a reduced risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. Specifically, a sense of purpose was associated with a 19% reduction in clinically significant cognitive impairment (file image)
This level of cognitive impairment is not as severe as dementia, but increases the risk of the condition.
Previous evidence suggests that feeling a sense of purpose in life can help relieve stress and is associated with reduced inflammation in the brain, both of which may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
People with a higher purpose may be more likely to participate in activities such as exercising and being socially involved, which may protect against dementia risk.
The results, published in the journal Aging Research Reviews, also showed that positive mood had no effect on dementia risk.
People with a higher purpose may be more likely to participate in activities that may protect against dementia risk, such as exercise and social participation (file image)
Lead author Dr. Joshua Stott says, “Dementia prevention programs that focus on well-being for groups at risk can benefit from prioritizing activities that add meaning and meaning to people’s lives over just hedonic activities. Increase positive mood. . States.
“For example, if someone cares about respecting the environment, they might benefit from helping out in a community garden.”
“We found that a sense of purpose can reduce the risk of dementia, adding to other evidence linking a meaningful life with better mental health and a lower risk of disability and heart disease,” said first author and doctoral student Georgia Bell.
Source: Daily Mail
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