A report in the peer-reviewed journal, Ageing Research Reviews, revealed the key role of a purpose in life for cognitive health, and for mitigating dementia and depression (Bell et al. 2022). The authors suggest purpose and meaning may protect the brain from inflammation and cellular stress.

Also, researchers at University College London analyzed data from more than sixty-two thousand older adults from three different countries finding “positive psychological constructs” (PPCs) such as optimism and happiness reduce cognitive impairment in later life. The strongest PPC was “purposeful living”— the extent to which people find meaning and value in life. In short, a life of purpose is better for the brain than a life of pleasure.

In another study, people who died while having Alzheimer’s disease had no cognitive decline before death despite autopsies showing severe neurodegeneration, with the common thread being a high level of purpose in life during their lifetime (Boyle et al. 2022).

Our purpose at IHC is furthering Evidence-based Cleaning for Health.  We trust we have “healthier” minds as a result!

(Source for Brain Studies:  Happy Brain, Happy Life: Everyday Neuroscience of Health, Wealth, and Love by Peter Hollins)