“All things with purpose, for purpose, on purpose.” This is something I often share with my students because it emphasizes the importance of purpose in both life and leadership. However, this idea isn’t just motivational or something cool to say—it’s backed by science. Research now shows that having a sense of purpose can actually benefit your brain. Without purpose, our mental health can suffer, and recent studies are now showing just how critical this can be.

A new study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry suggests that signs of cognitive decline, like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or even dementia, might be detectable long before traditional symptoms appear. These early warnings come not from brain scans but from our own feelings and thoughts.

Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and Rush University in Chicago followed over 900 older adults for up to 14 years. Their findings suggest that changes in psychological well-being—how we feel about ourselves, our sense of purpose, and our personal growth—might be early indicators of cognitive decline. That makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

The study looked at six key aspects of psychological well-being: self-acceptance, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, positive relationships with others, and personal growth. Among these, two areas—personal growth and purpose in life—stood out as early warning signs. These aspects of well-being started to decline three to six years before any clinical diagnosis of MCI, even when there were no obvious cognitive symptoms.

Definitions to Know

Personal Growth refers to the process of improving oneself in various aspects of life, such as developing new skills, gaining knowledge, enhancing emotional well-being, and becoming more self-aware. It involves a continuous effort to better oneself, expand one’s capabilities, and achieve one’s potential. Personal growth can also include setting and pursuing goals, learning from experiences, and embracing change to become a more fulfilled and capable individual.

Purpose in Life is the sense of having a meaningful direction or aim that guides your actions and decisions. It involves having goals or aspirations that give your life a sense of meaning and motivation. A strong sense of purpose often leads to greater satisfaction, resilience, and a feeling that one’s life has significance beyond mere existence. It can be shaped by personal values, passions, and the desire to make a positive impact on the world or the lives of others.

What It All Means

This research broadens our understanding of brain health. While earlier studies have shown that a sense of purpose is linked to better aging, this study goes further, suggesting that our feelings about personal growth and life direction might be crucial in predicting cognitive health. In many ways, it furthers my notions that the brain is a lot like any other organ in the body in that if it’s not used and pushed, it atrophies and declines.

The researchers here found that psychological well-being declined faster in individuals who went on to develop MCI compared to those who remained cognitively healthy. Notably, after an MCI diagnosis, people also experienced a decline in their relationships with others. This points to the importance of social support either before or after a diagnosis, as maintaining these connections could be key to slowing further cognitive decline. It also alludes to the importance of continuous learning as well as striving for something bigger.

Of course, the study isn’t without limitations. Most participants were well-educated, White, and female, which could potentially affect how broadly the findings apply. Additionally, while the study points to a link between psychological well-being and cognitive function, it doesn’t fully explain how or why this connection exists. Hence, we are left with some rather compelling inferences to consider.

Despite these limitations, the research does open up a few new possibilities for early detection and intervention. In many ways, it suggests that maintaining a sense of purpose and continuing to grow personally throughout life could be vital not just for emotional health but also for keeping our brains sharp as we age. At the same time, it could explain why we so often see rapid declines in those who have simply given up.

The big takeaway here is to continue learning and follow the advice I so often provide to my students: ALL things, with purpose, for purpose, on purpose. Remember that cultivating a strong sense of purpose, embracing personal growth, and maintaining social connections may not only enhance your quality of life but also help protect your cognitive health.

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