Low psychological well-being may increase the risk of dementia, research shows
A study shows that a lack of purpose in life and few opportunities for personal growth may increase the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a common precursor to dementia.
Research has shown that these aspects of psychological well-being decline noticeably two to six years before memory loss and thinking problems are diagnosed.
The research adds to growing evidence that psychological well-being is linked to brain aging, including the development of dementia.
Researchers followed 910 people in Illinois (US) for an average of 14 years to determine whether they developed MCI or dementia.
An annual psychological well-being survey was conducted among participants, collecting data on meaning in life, positive relationships with others, personal growth, self-acceptance, and autonomy.
During follow-up, 29% were diagnosed with MCI. Dementia was diagnosed in 34% of this group.
The final analysis was based on 229 participants with complete before- and after data, including 73 who developed dementia.
Compared with participants who remained “cognitively intact,” those who developed MCI were more likely to have lower levels of psychological well-being.
People who did develop dementia were more likely to have lower levels of psychological well-being than people who did not develop dementia.
The researchers from the US, China and Sweden, whose study was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatryfound that people who developed MCI had a faster decline in psychological well-being compared to people who were “cognitively intact.”
They had lower well-being scores two years before they were diagnosed with MCI, experts found. The researchers also found that people who developed MCI had no purpose in life three years before the diagnosis and had lower levels of personal growth six years before the diagnosis.
The researchers cautioned that this was an observational study, so no firm conclusions could be drawn about cause and effect. The participants were well-educated, which could have introduced selection bias due to the “healthy volunteer” effect.
Most participants were also white and female, which may limit the generalizability of the findings, the researchers acknowledged. They also conceded that poorer cognition can affect psychological well-being and vice versa.
The research team said: “Psychological well-being (specific purpose in life and personal growth) was significantly lower before MCI diagnosis. Reduced psychological well-being may serve as a predictor for reduced cognitive function.”
Dr Richard Oakley, deputy director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, said there is “substantial research evidence” to show that looking after your mental wellbeing and staying socially active throughout your life can help reduce the risk of developing MCI and dementia.
He added: “This study looked at individuals who had been diagnosed with MCI, which can be an early indicator that someone will develop a form of dementia.
“The results suggest that well-being factors, such as a sense of purpose in life and personal growth, are not necessarily an early indicator of dementia, but may be an early indicator that someone may be developing mild cognitive impairment.”
More research was needed, Oakley said. “At this point, it’s not clear whether we can use these wellness factors as predictors of MCI, and we need research to show whether addressing these factors can change the course of decline in memory and thinking skills.”