THIS simple daily habit can protect the brain from dementia

57 million people had dementia worldwide in 2021, and, there is a rise of nearly 10 million new cases every year. It is the leading cause of disability and dependency among older adults globally. As dementia is a progressive neurological condition, it severely affects the quality of life. It can even interfere with daily activities, which worsens with time. While many factors increase the risk of dementia, no stone should be left unturned, especially when it comes to lowering the risk. A new study has found that psychological well-being may play a vital role in protecting against dementia.

A recent study led by researchers from the University of California, Davis found that a simple habit can protect the brain from dementia. The findings of the study are published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

The researchers from UC Davis found that having a sense of purpose in life may have another benefit as people age: reducing the risk of dementia. Research into Blue Zones, regions of the world where people tend to live longer, shows that having a sense of purpose in life may help people live longer and healthier lives.

To understand the effect of psychological well-being on dementia, the researchers followed over 13,000 adults aged 45 and older for up to 15 years. The study showed that people who had a higher sense of purpose in life were about 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

This protective effect was seen across racial and ethnic groups, and also remained significant even after accounting for education, depression, and the APOE4 gene, which is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Having a purpose is not only inspiring for your life ahead, but also for your brain. This is how your brain stays resilient. “Our findings show that having a sense of purpose helps the brain stay resilient with age. Even for people with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease, a sense of purpose was linked to a later onset and lower likelihood of developing dementia,” Aliza Wingo, senior author and professor in the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, said. Though the participants were not asked what gave their life purpose, previous studies have found a wide range of activities that gave older adults a sense of life purpose, sometimes referred to as ikigai.

• Relationships: Caring for family, spending time with grandchildren, or supporting a spouse or friend.

• Work or volunteering: Continuing professional work, mentoring, or contributing to community causes.

• Spirituality or faith: Religious beliefs, spiritual practices, or involvement in faith-based communities.

• Personal goals: Pursuing hobbies, learning new skills, or setting and achieving personal milestones.

• Helping others: Acts of kindness, philanthropy, caregiving, or advocacy work.

The study showed that this higher sense of purpose delayed cognitive decline when compared to those with lower purpose.

“While medications like lecanemab and donanemab can modestly delay symptoms of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease, they come with risks and costs. Purpose in life is free, safe, and accessible. It’s something people can build through relationships, goals, and meaningful activities,” Nicholas C. Howard, first author and public health researcher at UC Davis, said.

In an era where building muscles is given utmost importance, people tend to overlook mental health. This study emphasizes the importance of psychological well-being in healthy aging. “What’s exciting about this study is that people may be able to ‘think’ themselves into better health. Purpose in life is something we can nurture. It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about what gives your life meaning,” Thomas Wingo, a co-author of the study and a professor and neurologist at UC Davis Health, added.