A recent study suggests that a lack of purpose and personal growth could be early signs of cognitive decline, potentially paving the way for conditions like dementia. Published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, the research indicates that people who later developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) began to experience a decline in psychological well-being several years before their diagnosis.
MCI, a condition where a person faces early memory or cognitive challenges but can still perform daily tasks independently, often signals the beginning of dementia. The study found that individuals who developed MCI reported a lower sense of purpose and personal growth as early as three to six years before their diagnosis.
Psychological Well-being and Its Role in Cognitive Health
According to Dr. Angelina Sutin, a professor at Florida State University College of Medicine, this study is a significant step in understanding how changes in well-being can signal the onset of cognitive impairment. Dr. Sutin wasn’t involved in the study but highlighted the importance of these early indicators.
The research analyzed data from over 900 adults in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a long-term study that has been running since 1997. Participants were regularly assessed on their psychological health, including six key areas: self-acceptance, autonomy, purpose in life, personal growth, relationships with others, and the ability to manage their surroundings.
The Link Between Wellness and Cognitive Decline
The study found that those who eventually developed cognitive impairment showed signs of a decline in psychological well-being two years before their diagnosis, especially in areas like purpose and personal growth. These early signs could potentially help identify individuals at higher risk for dementia.
While social relationships were affected after diagnosis, other areas of well-being remained unchanged before and after the onset of cognitive issues. This suggests that improving psychological well-being could be an effective way to delay or prevent cognitive decline.
Maintaining Mental and Social Engagement
The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining a sense of purpose and staying mentally and socially active as we age. Dr. Glen Finney, director of the Geisinger Memory and Cognition Program, suggests that activities like socializing, learning new things, and staying involved in the community can significantly protect brain health.
Dr. Finney also recommends that if you or someone you know is struggling to stay mentally or socially active, it’s important to talk to a doctor. Addressing these concerns early can help preserve brain function and, in some cases, even reverse mild symptoms before they become more serious.
Proactive Steps for Brain Health
Incorporating strategy games, reading, volunteering, or joining a fitness group are great ways to keep your brain sharp. Participating in lifelong learning, like enrolling in educational programs, can also help keep cognitive abilities strong. If you’re finding it difficult to stay engaged, seeking professional advice could be the first step in managing cognitive health and reducing the risk of future decline.
As research continues, the connection between well-being and cognitive decline becomes clearer, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard brain health at every stage of life.
Read more:
- 12 Simple Ways To Boost Your Brain Health Every Day
- New Research Suggests Weight Management May Preserve Brain Health With Age
- How Self-Diagnosis Can Worsen Mental Health Conditions?
