How finding your “why” could help protect your mind as you age
- Replies 0
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
What if something as personal as your sense of purpose could influence your long-term brain health?
A new study is making waves with its findings, and it’s raising important questions about how we age—and how we stay sharp while doing it.
While dementia remains a growing concern, especially for older adults, this research offers a hopeful perspective rooted in everyday life.
The results may surprise you, and the solution doesn’t involve pills or procedures.
Let’s take a closer look at the study, what it measured, and what it might mean for you or someone you love.
Researchers followed over 13,000 adults aged 45 and older for as long as 15 years, checking in every two years to monitor cognitive health.
Led by Dr. Angelina Wingo and published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the study found that individuals who scored higher on a “life purpose” questionnaire were significantly less likely to experience memory loss or dementia symptoms.
That held true even for people with the APOE4 gene, a strong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
On average, participants with a high sense of purpose delayed decline by more than a month over eight years—modest, but meaningful.
The quiz is based on Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being, a widely used tool in psychology.
Participants rate statements like:
Responses range from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree."
A higher score suggests a greater sense of purpose—and, based on this research, a potentially healthier brain.
Remarkably, this protective effect held up even after accounting for things like race, education level, depression, and genetic risk.
As lead author Nicholas C. Howard put it, “Purpose in life is free, safe, and accessible.”
Unlike expensive Alzheimer’s drugs that may offer only modest results, building purpose doesn’t require a prescription—and it can be cultivated at any age.
Researchers pointed to the Japanese concept of “ikigai”, which means “a reason for being.”
For some, that might be faith or family. For others, it might be volunteering, mentoring, creative hobbies, or learning something new.
What matters is that it gives your life meaning and gets you excited to face the day.
Here are a few ways to build or rediscover purpose:
You don’t need to take the full Ryff questionnaire to get started. Just ask yourself:
Your answers might surprise you—or open the door to positive changes.
If you’d like to go further, free versions of Ryff’s Scales are available online. You could even discuss the questions with a loved one over coffee or during your next phone call.
Why would something like purpose have such a strong effect on brain health?
Experts believe it’s because having purpose encourages us to stay active, social, and mentally engaged—three things known to support long-term cognitive function.
A clear sense of purpose may also help buffer stress and depression, both of which are tied to memory problems and dementia.
At The GrayVine, we know that aging well isn’t just about adding years—it’s about making the most of the years you have.
This study is a powerful reminder that the things that give life meaning—like connection, learning, and joy—are also some of the best ways to keep your brain strong.
Read next: This everyday relaxation habit could be quietly raising your dementia risk by 72%
Do you have a “why” that helps guide your day-to-day life? Have you noticed that staying engaged makes a difference in your mood or memory?
We’d love to hear how you stay mentally and emotionally sharp, and what gives you a sense of direction today!
What if something as personal as your sense of purpose could influence your long-term brain health?
A new study is making waves with its findings, and it’s raising important questions about how we age—and how we stay sharp while doing it.
While dementia remains a growing concern, especially for older adults, this research offers a hopeful perspective rooted in everyday life.
The results may surprise you, and the solution doesn’t involve pills or procedures.
Let’s take a closer look at the study, what it measured, and what it might mean for you or someone you love.
Simple lifestyle choices may play a bigger role in healthy aging than we once thought. Image Source: Pexels / Alexas Fotos.
The science behind purpose and memory
Researchers followed over 13,000 adults aged 45 and older for as long as 15 years, checking in every two years to monitor cognitive health.
Led by Dr. Angelina Wingo and published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the study found that individuals who scored higher on a “life purpose” questionnaire were significantly less likely to experience memory loss or dementia symptoms.
That held true even for people with the APOE4 gene, a strong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
On average, participants with a high sense of purpose delayed decline by more than a month over eight years—modest, but meaningful.
Also read: Breaking: This actor’s revelation could change everything you know about Alzheimer’s!
What is this “purpose” quiz?
The quiz is based on Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being, a widely used tool in psychology.
Participants rate statements like:
- “I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life.”
- “I am an active person in carrying out the plans I set for myself.”
Responses range from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree."
A higher score suggests a greater sense of purpose—and, based on this research, a potentially healthier brain.
Also read: Could this one overlooked issue raise your dementia risk? New study says yes
More powerful than genetics?
Remarkably, this protective effect held up even after accounting for things like race, education level, depression, and genetic risk.
As lead author Nicholas C. Howard put it, “Purpose in life is free, safe, and accessible.”
Unlike expensive Alzheimer’s drugs that may offer only modest results, building purpose doesn’t require a prescription—and it can be cultivated at any age.
Also read: Is this breakthrough drug the key to preventing—even reversing—dementia? Here’s what doctors say
Finding your reason to wake up each day
Researchers pointed to the Japanese concept of “ikigai”, which means “a reason for being.”
For some, that might be faith or family. For others, it might be volunteering, mentoring, creative hobbies, or learning something new.
What matters is that it gives your life meaning and gets you excited to face the day.
Here are a few ways to build or rediscover purpose:
- Reconnect with others: Whether it’s spending time with family or joining a local club, social connection plays a big role.
- Volunteer your time: Helping others can offer deep meaning and boost your mood.
- Pursue creative interests: From painting to puzzles to woodworking, hobbies keep the brain engaged.
- Try something new: Sign up for a class or tackle a project you’ve always wanted to do.
- Practice mindfulness or faith: Many people find purpose through spirituality, reflection, or time in nature.
Also read: Are these strange sensory changes a clue to Dementia? Experts say you shouldn’t ignore them
How to reflect on your own purpose
You don’t need to take the full Ryff questionnaire to get started. Just ask yourself:
- Do I feel I have goals and direction?
- Am I pursuing the things that matter most to me?
- Do I feel connected to my community or loved ones?
Your answers might surprise you—or open the door to positive changes.
If you’d like to go further, free versions of Ryff’s Scales are available online. You could even discuss the questions with a loved one over coffee or during your next phone call.
Also read: Are you ignoring this common leg issue? It could secretly raise your dementia risk by 25%
Why it works
Why would something like purpose have such a strong effect on brain health?
Experts believe it’s because having purpose encourages us to stay active, social, and mentally engaged—three things known to support long-term cognitive function.
A clear sense of purpose may also help buffer stress and depression, both of which are tied to memory problems and dementia.
At The GrayVine, we know that aging well isn’t just about adding years—it’s about making the most of the years you have.
This study is a powerful reminder that the things that give life meaning—like connection, learning, and joy—are also some of the best ways to keep your brain strong.
Read next: This everyday relaxation habit could be quietly raising your dementia risk by 72%
Do you have a “why” that helps guide your day-to-day life? Have you noticed that staying engaged makes a difference in your mood or memory?
We’d love to hear how you stay mentally and emotionally sharp, and what gives you a sense of direction today!
