A study from the University of California, Davis, found that Americans with a strong sense of purpose had a 28% lower risk of cognitive impairment. The research tracked nearly 14,000 adults aged 45 and older for up to 15 years. Results appeared in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Participants who scored highest on a seven-item purpose questionnaire developed cognitive problems about 1.4 months later than those with the lowest scores. The protective effect remained even for those with genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study included a diverse group and controlled for age, education, depression, and genetic factors. Researchers say fostering purpose may help promote brain health, but note the study cannot prove direct cause. (Story URL)
