Parenthood is often linked with the physical toll it takes on the body, including wrinkles and grey hair.
However, a recent study suggests that being a parent may actually help maintain brain health, counteracting the typical decline that comes with aging.
The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that parents exhibited stronger functional connectivity in certain regions of the brain, a pattern usually associated with younger brains.
The study, which analyzed brain scans of over 37,000 participants, revealed that the more children parents had, the stronger their brain connectivity.
This improvement was found in both men and women and suggests that parenthood could have long-lasting, positive effects on brain function, potentially staving off cognitive decline.
Researchers note that while more studies are needed, this new evidence underscores the potential of social interactions, such as those involved in raising children, to boost brain health.
Even those without children can benefit from enhancing social engagement and mental stimulation, such as learning new skills or solving complex problems.
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