We have known for quite some time that there are some people who appear to be able to avoid cognitive decline well into their nineties and even beyond. Curiously, the brains of these sharp older people frequently reveal extensive abnormalities similar to those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease, such as the “plaques” and “tangles” seen in their brains. This is because they have developed what neuroscientists refer to as “cognitive reserve.” The brain is not an exception; like most of the other systems in our bodies, it can tolerate some degree of damage before it begins to malfunction. By continuing to learn new things and warding off habits and inertia, we are able to build up our cognitive reserve, which consists of additional neurons and the connections between them. But how exactly does this help prevent memory loss and other illnesses that are typically associated with getting older?
Life purpose and brain function
When researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago dug deeper into the issue, they found another factor that played a more significant role overall. In a long-term study that included more than 1,400 older men and women, they examined the brain tissue of 246 people who had passed away during the course of the study. The findings of the autopsy, which were published in Archives of General Psychiatry, were remarkable. People who showed very different levels of cognitive decline often showed damage from Alzheimer’s at similar levels. It turned out that the people who had indicated that they had some sort of “purpose” in life throughout the course of the study were the ones whose brains functioned better.
Purpose and mortality
Having a “purpose” in life, to put it another way, has been shown to influence the cellular activity in the brain. Even though plaques and tangles continue to form, it appears that having a “purpose” increases the protective reserve of the brain. In addition to this, the greater the significance of the goal, the more it contributes to the reserve. The findings remained consistent even after the researchers took into account participants’ varying levels of education, amount of exercise, and other factors. According to the findings of other research, having a sense of purpose is associated not only with a slower rate of cognitive decline but also with lower rates of disability and death.
The benefits of having value
According to the findings of the study, “the tendency to derive meaning from life’s experiences and possess a sense of intentionality and goal directedness that guides behavior” is the definition of “purpose in life.” I would say that the feeling of having value comes from being a part of something that is much larger than yourself. For me, having a purpose means working toward a world where it is possible to live to a ripe old age. In that case, join me in the radical age movement and bolster your brain.
Become an advocate for older adults
Even if you aren’t concerned about losing your mental faculties, the following is yet another compelling argument in favor of advocating for older people and against ageism. Over five million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number will only continue to rise as the number of people aged 65 and older in the country grows. It poses a significant problem for the health of the public. Because the disease is caused by a number of different factors and, to be honest, a cure is highly unlikely, it makes perfect sense to encourage people to take preventative measures. This means assisting everyone in remaining engaged and having a purpose in their lives.
What is the most difficult challenge? Face the challenge of meaninglessness and contribute to the leadership of an initiative to improve brain function and prevent dementia in the public health sector!
