Purposefulness and a sense of meaning in life reduce the risk of developing dementia by 20%

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Dementia is a general name for a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, scientists and researchers are working diligently to develop new methods of treatment for this disease. However, their approach was not always so active. The way dementia is treated has changed over the past decades.

Thanks to advances in scientific understanding, dementia is now recognized as a treatable disease. Although work has been going on for several decades, there are very few treatments for this disease, and almost none of them significantly slow the onset of the disease.

As a result, there has been a lot of research into prevention and how a person can reduce the risk of developing dementia; in some cases, research shows that it's all about the right mindset.

Research from University College London found that having or feeling a sense of purpose or meaning in life reduces the risk of developing dementia. They found that those who had meaning in life were associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

A sense of purpose was associated with a 19 percent reduction in the likelihood of cognitive impairment. Patients in this category were 20% less likely to experience cognitive decline.

Dr. Joshua Scott, lead author of the study, said:

“Dementia prevention programs for at-risk groups that focus on well-being , can win by prioritizing actions that bring purpose and meaning to people's lives. Purposefulness can reduce the risk of dementia, adding to other evidence linking a meaningful life to improved mental health and reduced risk of disability and heart disease.”