Having Purpose = Improved Cognitive Health

In our professional practice, we consistently pose a fundamental query to our clientele: "Have you identified your life's purpose or discerned a sense of meaning in your existence?" It is noteworthy that a significant proportion of individuals, including those who have achieved considerable success in their respective fields, express difficulty in articulating a clearly defined purpose or meaning for their lives. Consequently, we have designated this area as a high-priority focus in our consultative process, wherein we assist clients in the crucial task of identifying and elucidating their unique sense of purpose and meaning.

Why is this important?

New research highlights the importance of having purpose in life for cognitive health as we age. A study published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that declining sense of purpose and personal growth may predict future cognitive decline.

Key findings:

• People who developed mild cognitive impairment showed lower levels of purpose in life starting 3 years before diagnosis
• Personal growth levels declined 6 years before diagnosis
• Positive social relationships declined rapidly after diagnosis

What can we do?

This underscores how vital it is to cultivate meaning, continue learning and growing, and stay socially engaged throughout our lives. Some ways to do this:

• Pursue hobbies and interests that excite you
• Set new goals and challenge yourself
• Volunteer for causes you care about
• Learn new skills or take classes
• Stay connected with friends and family
• Join clubs or groups aligned with your passions

By actively working to maintain purpose and personal growth, we may be able to support our cognitive health as we age.

What gives your life meaning and purpose?

How do you continue growing and learning?

https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2024/07/13/jnnp-2024-333837

#CognitiveHealth #Purpose #LifelongLearning

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