AKIPRESS.COM - Lacking purpose in life and having few opportunities for personal growth may increase the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a frequent precursor of dementia, The Guardian reports citing a study.

Psychological wellbeing tends to decline two to six years before memory loss and cognitive issues are diagnosed,  researchers found.

Researchers tracked 910 people in Illinois for an average of 14 years, assessing their psychological wellbeing annually. The study found that 29% developed MCI, with 34% of those later diagnosed with dementia. Participants with MCI had lower psychological wellbeing two years before diagnosis and lacked purpose in life three years prior. They also experienced lower personal growth six years before diagnosis.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, highlights that psychological wellbeing declines before MCI is diagnosed. However, as an observational study, it does not establish causation. The findings may not apply universally due to participant demographics and selection bias. 

Dr. Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer’s Society emphasized that while this research indicates a potential link between psychological wellbeing and MCI, further studies are needed to determine if improving these factors can alter cognitive decline.