US EditionHaving a sense of purpose may protect against dementia: Study
Researchers followed over 13,000 adults for up to 15 years and found higher life purpose linked to a 28% lower risk of cognitive impairment across diverse groups.
- A recent UC Davis study, published on August 25, 2025, tracked more than 13,000 individuals aged 45 and above over a period of up to 15 years to investigate their risk of developing dementia.
- Researchers found that individuals with a stronger sense of purpose in life had approximately 28% lower chances of experiencing declines in thinking abilities, such as mild cognitive decline or dementia.
- The protective effect of purpose remained significant across racial and ethnic groups and after controlling for education, depression, and the APOE4 gene, a known Alzheimer's risk factor.
- Lead author Nicholas C. Howard noted medications like lecanemab can modestly delay symptoms but come with risks and costs, while purpose in life is free, safe, and accessible through relationships and goals.
- The results indicate that maintaining positive mental health is important for aging well, and further research should investigate whether fostering a sense of purpose can contribute to dementia prevention.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?
30 Articles
30 Articles
Worried about getting dementia? Finding a sense of purpose may help stave it off
Having a sense of purpose may help ward off dementia. A new study found a sense of purpose protects against cognitive decline, even in people genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease.
·Philadelphia, United States
Read Full Article
InsideNoVA.com+23 Reposted by 23 other sources
A Sense Of Purpose Can Protect Brain Health In Aging
Key Takeaways
Having a sense of purpose may protect the brain from Alzheimer's and delay symptoms, study finds
Having a clear sense of purpose in life could be one of the best ways to protect your brain as you get older, according to new research showing that people who feel their lives have meaning are 28 per cent less likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive problems.The massive study followed more than 13,000 adults aged 45 and over for up to 15 years. Researchers found this protective effect was remarkably consistent, working across all age group…
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources30
Leaning Left7Leaning Right6Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Center
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
38% Center
L 33%
C 38%
R 29%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
