Lifestyle changes and supplements are often touted as ways to reduce dementia risk, but new UC Davis research suggests a sense of purpose may be even more powerful.

The study, published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, followed more than 13,000 adults aged 45 and older for up to 15 years. Researchers found that participants with a stronger sense of purpose were about 28 per cent less likely to develop cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

“Our findings show that having a sense of purpose helps the brain stay resilient with age,” said Aliza Wingo, senior author and professor in the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

“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.”

The study also found that people with higher purpose experienced cognitive decline slightly later than those with lower purpose — on average, a modest delay of 1.4 months over an eight-year period after accounting for age, education, depressive symptoms, and genetic risk.

“While medications like lecanemab and donanemab can modestly delay symptoms of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease, they come with risks and costs,” said Nicholas C. Howard, first author and public health researcher at UC Davis.

“Purpose in life is free, safe and accessible. It’s something people can build through relationships, goals and meaningful activities.”

Despite the promising findings, researchers caution that it shows an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect link.

Still, it highlights an encouraging way for adults to support brain health: cultivating goals, connections, and activities that give life meaning.

So how can adults actively cultivate a sense of purpose? One effective way to achieve this is through hobbies, many individuals have found new meaning and fulfillment in their lives by pursuing hobbies and interests. 

These hobbies can include creative endeavours such as painting or writing, or outdoor pursuits such as hiking or gardening.

Hobbies can also bring joy, satisfaction and a sense of achievement to one’s life, as well as provide opportunities to socialise and connect with others who share similar interests. Furthermore, hobbies can also help keep the mind and body active, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling retirement.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.