Preserving Life Through a Sense of Purpose

"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, sense of purpose was linked to a later onset and lower likelihood of developing dementia."

Professor Aliza Wingo, study lead author, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis 

Whatever your purpose is, it could do your brain some good. (Hill Street Studios/Getty Images)

 

Older adults who report a sense of purpose in life -- according to new scientific studies -- gain a reduced chance of developing dementia as the years wear on. Researchers at the University of California Davis reported their study results in the most recent edition of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, based on data collected from 13,765 participants beginning at age 45 and up to their senior years. The study was part of a long-term U.S.-based mega study, titled the Health and Retirement Study. 

 

Participants were surveyed between the years 2006 and 2020, and at the beginning of the study all  those involved had normal cognitive functioning.

 

People who reported a higher sense of purpose in life were found by the team to be roughly 28 percent less likely to develop cognitive impairment. That included mild cognitive impairment and dementia -- over the length of the study. Cognitive decline onset was delayed by about 1.4 months, even among those who did experience cognitive decline, a difference described by the researchers as "meaningful when compared to current treatments".

 

Earlier similar studies reflected similar findings, but it was noted by the UC Davis study that the number of participants and length of their study produced more meaningful results, while also noting that though the  study found an association, the conclusion did not prove definitively that higher levels of purpose caused lowered rates of dementia. Only that psychological well-being plays a notably functional part in healthy aging. 

 

Family relationships, caring for a friend and volunteering are among the activities that give meaning to our lives. Photo by Linda Davidson /The Washington Post

 

Research identified the 'protective effect' of a sense of purpose seen in both males and females and through ethnic groups, making cause-and-effect universal. Identifying the  sense of purpose's protective effect across multiple racial and ethnic groups made for greater significance, even accounting for education, depression and the APOE4 gene  representing a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. 

 

The researchers made no effort to identify what the participants' various specific activities or beliefs might be that gave their lives that sense of purpose. They did not hesitate, however, to venture a number of hypothetical possibilities that would lend themselves to being identified as driving a sense of purpose in life: 

• Such as caring for family, spending time with grandchildren, or giving support to a friend; 
• Mentoring or contributing to community causes through volunteerism;
• Faith or spirituality beliefs and involvement in faith-based communities;
• The pursuit of personal hobbies, learning new skills; achieving personal milestones;
• Giving help to others through acts of kindness, care-giving, philanthropy or advocacy.

"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, study co-author, professor/neurologist, UC Davis Health  

UCDavis Health