Does a lack of purpose signal cognitive change?

A study published online Aug. 13, 2024, by the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry suggests that a lack of purpose in life and a lack of personal growth might be early signs of cognitive decline. The study involved more than 900 dementia-free people (average age 79 at the start of the study) who were followed for up to 14 years. Once a year, participants took cognitive tests, had neurological exams, and underwent assessments measuring aspects of well-being. Compared with people whose thinking skills remained sharp, those who developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — a precursor to dementia — had lower levels of purpose three years before an MCI diagnosis, and lower levels of personal growth six years before an MCI diagnosis. The study is observational and can't distinguish cause from effect: does developing dementia interfere with purpose and personal growth, or do these deficiencies contribute to the development of dementia? However, we know from other evidence that having a sense of purpose is linked to sharp memory and thinking skills, as well as mood control, reduced risks of chronic disease, and longevity.

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