How Living With Purpose Guards Your Memory

A strong sense of purpose may lower your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Have a strong sense of purpose? Good news-research shows you’re about 28% less likely to develop memory and thinking problems, including dementia ().

Living with a Purpose? Here’s What It Can Do for You!

Research shows that having a clear sense of purpose can boost your brain health, delay memory decline, and enhance overall well-being. The study followed over 13,000 adults aged 45 and older who had healthy brain function at the start and later took at least two memory tests for up to 15 years. It found that people with a stronger sense of purpose in life were about 28% less likely to develop memory problems or dementia. This benefit was observed in people of all races and ethnicities, as well as those who are genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's. Having a purpose appears to help the brain retain its strength as we age.

People Leading Purposeful Life are Less Likely to Feel Lonely
Having a sense of purpose in life can provide strong defense against feelings of loneliness, says a new study.

TOP INSIGHT

A purposeful life can delay cognitive decline by up to 28%! #purposeful #life #cognitivehealth #medindia

Researchers checked memory and thinking every two years using a phone-based test (mTICS). A low score on this exam at two consecutive visits was considered cognitive decline, indicating moderate cognitive impairment or dementia. Purpose in Life (PiL) was measured at the start with a short seven-question survey. Subsequently, researchers employed statistical models to investigate the effects of purpose on the risk and timing of cognitive decline, including how much it might delay the onset of impairment.

Purposeful Life Might Be The Key To Your Memory

Out of 13,765 people followed for about 8 years (some up to 15 years), around 1,820 (13%) developed memory or thinking problems. Those who reported having a stronger sense of purpose in life had a much lower risk of developing these problems compared to those with less purpose, even after taking into account factors like age, sex, education, depression, and ethnicity. The lower risk remained even after accounting for a major Alzheimer’s risk gene (APOE4).

People with a stronger sense of purpose also developed memory problems later in life than those with less purpose.

Conflicting With Your Mother Will Reduce Purpose in Life
Children who have more conflict with their mothers during early years of elementary school may be at difficulty finding a sense of purpose in life during adulthood, suggests a new research.

A Life With Purpose Fuels Achievement and Protects Your Mind for the Journey Ahead!
Reference:

Life Purpose Lowers Risk for Cognitive Impairment in a United States Population-Based Cohort - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40555597/)

Source-The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

Having a Sense of Purpose in Life can Keep Alcohol Addiction at Bay
Having a sense of purpose in daily life could be the best way to stop drinking alcohol.

15 Everyday Habits That Boost Mental Well-Being
A study links daily participation in meaningful activities to better mental health and reduced psychological distress.