New research suggests that a lack of purpose in life and personal growth in older adults may be an early warning sign of depression. These findings could help identify people at risk for cognitive decline, although more research is needed.
An international research group followed 910 mentally healthy elderly people for an average of 14 years. During this time, 29 percent of participants developed cognitive impairment (MCI). That is a condition in which a person experiences obvious memory or thinking problems that are more severe than normal age, but not enough to be diagnosed as dementia. Of the 265 people with MCI, a third, or 89 people, later developed dementia. The researchers found that the participants with MCI showed a faster decline in psychological well-being than those who remained mentally healthy.
Visible for three to six years
Amazing result the study namely that a reduced need for purpose in life and personal growth were evident three to six years before the diagnosis of MCI. These aspects of psychological well-being visibly declined even before overt cognitive symptoms emerged. In addition to purpose in life and personal growth, the researchers also examined other aspects of well-being, such as self-acceptance, self-regulation, environmental control and meaningful relationships with others. These aspects also decreased before the onset of MCI and depression, but more quickly.
A causal relationship has not been demonstrated
Although the study cannot prove a causal relationship, the findings suggest that reduced mental well-being, particularly a lack of purpose in life and personal growth, may be a predictor of later cognitive problems. “Our findings suggest that personal growth and purpose in life may be more mentally challenging than other aspects of well-being, and therefore may be more sensitive indicators of cognitive aging,” the researchers say.
“Furthermore, we found that positive relationships with others rapidly declined after an MCI diagnosis. People with cognitive impairment may participate less in (social) activities than before, which may lead to a further decline in their relationships with friends or other people,” they said.
Scope of the study
The study has some limitations, such as a possible selection effect due to the high education of the participants, who were also predominantly white and female. Furthermore, the precise mechanisms behind the relationship between well-being and cognitive function are still poorly understood. The researchers suggest that this relationship may be two-fold: poorer cognitive functions may lead to lower psychological well-being, and poorer well-being may also have negative effects on psychology.
Nevertheless, the researchers stress the importance of psychological support for people with depression. According to them, this can contribute to better care for elderly people with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Future research should determine whether enhancing mental well-being in older adults can help delay or prevent cognitive decline.
Other risk factors
Earlier this year, researchers from the University of Oxford identified the risk factors for depression and no less 161 factors recognized. Three risk factors emerged as particularly harmful: diabetes, air pollution and alcohol consumption. These factors greatly affect a vulnerable network in the brain that is involved in complex thinking and that ages more than other brain areas.
A healthy lifestyle is therefore essential to prevent depression. Although there is little you can do about air pollution, reducing alcohol consumption and following a healthy diet can make a big difference. Also make sure you have clear life goals, even later in life, to keep your chances of depression as low as possible.
2024-08-14 14:02:34
#factor #life #increases #risk #dementia #older #people
