In 2050, 16% of the world's population will be over 65. As a result, the prevalence of Alzheimer's and other dementias is expected to more than triple by that date, from 57 million people today to 152 million.
Research has shown that a healthy lifestyle, such as keeping the brain active, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, reduces the risk of developing dementia, but new research now highlights that psychological well-being also protects cognitive function from degeneration. .
A meaningful life protects cognitive functions
To better understand how mental well-being affects cognitive function and the risk of developing dementia, neuroscientists of the University College London they looked at data from 62.250 people across three continents with an average age of 60.
They found that having purpose and meaning in life was associated with a 19% lower risk of dementia. The curious thing is that the meaning of life was a more decisive determinant of optimism and happiness.
Researchers explain that living with purpose can reduce the risk of cognitive decline more than happiness because of the differences that exist between the concepts of eudaemony and hedonism.
The key lies in eudaemony
People who focus on pursuit of happiness eudemonic tend to live more balanced lives and are more likely to engage in protective behaviors such as exercise and social interactions.
Eudemonic research satisfies a very deep human need based on meaning, so that people who find meaning in their lives are more likely to pursue healthy lifestyles that protect their emotional balance and, in the long run, brain functioning.
Instead, the hedonic activities that create a state of euphoria are often fleeting needs or urges that, when satisfied, leave a feeling of emptiness behind. The hedonistic pursuit of happiness can involve meaningless or unhealthy behavior, so these people may be more prone to overindulgence.
In fact, another study conducted at the Claremont Graduate University found that life satisfaction tends to increase with age due to increased oxytocin release. It is possible that having purpose and meaning in life also reduces the presence of key biomarkers linked to dementia, such as neuroinflammation and cellular stress response.
A significant life could play a protective role in the brain because it decreases the stress response. If we have lower cortisol levels, we will be able to turn off any cellular responses or chronic neuroinflammation that may be affecting the brain in the long term.
Therefore, to protect our brain, it is best to focus on those activities that bring us well-being and balance, activities that are meaningful and that contribute to that greater project we have in life.
Sources:
Bell, G. et. Al. (2022) Positive psychological constructs and association with reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing research reviews; 77:101594.
Zak, PJ et. Al. (2022) Oxytocin Release Increases With Age and Is Associated With Life Satisfaction and Prosocial Behaviors. Front. Behav. Neurosci; 10.3389.
Admission It is not happiness or pleasure, but the meaning of life that protects our brain was published first in Corner of Psychology.
