NEW STUDY FINDS RISK FOR DEMENTIA CAN BE REDUCED BY JUST HAVING A PURPOSE IN LIFE

It is not only personally satisfying or gratifying to have a feeling of purpose in life. According to studies just published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, it can also lower the risk of dementia. The new study, which was carried out by researchers at the University of California Davis, followed almost 14,000 people 45 and older for a maximum of 15 years. As part of the University of Michigan-led Health and Retirement project, which began in 2006 and ended in 2020, the group all had normal cognitive functioning at the start of the survey.

In the end, the team discovered that individuals of all genders, races, and ethnicities who had a stronger sense of purpose had about a 28% lower risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. The study found that the protective effect persisted even after controlling for depression, education, and the APOE4 genotype, a recognised risk factor for Alzheimer's.

According to a statement from senior author and professor in the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Aliza Wingo, "Our findings demonstrate that having a sense of purpose helps the brain maintain robustness with age." "A sense of purpose was connected to a later onset and lower likelihood of acquiring dementia, even for persons with a hereditary risk for Alzheimer's disease."

Additionally, researchers found that people with higher levels of purpose were more likely than those with lower levels to have cognitive impairment later in life. Although the average start delay was only 1.4 months over eight years, the number nonetheless gives optimism while other treatments are still being explored.

First author and UC Davis public health researcher Nicholas C. Howard adds, "Medications have risks and costs, even while they help somewhat delay symptoms of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease." "Life's purpose is accessible, safe, and free. People can develop it through meaningful activities, relationships, and goals.

Participants in the study were not directly asked what they thought gave their lives meaning, but the researchers listed a few options, including volunteering and mentoring, spiritual practices, taking up hobbies, learning new skills, providing care, and advocacy work. The researchers used the Japanese phrase ikigai, which means "something which adds worth and delight to life," to summarise these kinds of activities as a clue to their importance.

The study supports the importance of "free," yet preventative, interventions, as have other recent studies. For instance, a study conducted earlier this year discovered that regular exercise can cut the chance of death for cancer patients by one-third. According to a different study, postdoctoral students' mental health improved when they watched Studio Ghibli films. Attending cultural and artistic activities can have a positive impact on one's general welfare.