Skip to main content

Study Shows Some Personality Traits Protect Cognitive Function in Later Life


The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published an interesting article from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a longitudinal study of older Chicago-area adults that began in 1997. The intent of the survey was to determine if personalities affect cognitive decline, and included nearly 2,000 people.

The study focused on examining the role of three key personality traits – conscientiousness, extraversion and neuroticism – to see if they are a factor in cognitive decline in later life. Researchers say evidence suggests being more conscientious and extroverted may keep mild cognitive impairment at bay longer. Participants who exhibited higher levels of neuroticism increased their chances of cognitive decline.

The lead author of the study, Tomiko Yoneda, a psychology postdoctoral student at the University of Victoria in Canada, explains, "Personality traits reflect relatively enduring patterns of thinking and behaving, which may cumulatively affect engagement in healthy and unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns across the lifespan." Extroverted, socially engaged people appeared to have an additional year of dementia-free living; and those who scored high on conscientiousness might have two more years without cognitive issues as compared with those who scored low in conscientiousness.

While other studies back up these results, scientists agree further studies will be needed. For example, Dr. Richard Isaacson, director of the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic in the Center for Brain Health at Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine, cautions, while “specific traits may increase risk due to a lifetime of behaviors that predispose a person to developing cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease, there may be more of a direct biological role related to early disease pathology."

For outstanding senior housing in Kirkland, WA, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Kirkland. Our community offers adults 55+ a range of luxury amenities, while providing all the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Apartments are well designed to maximize space and are available in a variety of floor plans. Residents enjoy our five-star dining, salon, fitness center & studio, theater/chapel, bistro bar, swimming pool and sport courts as well as signature wellness programs and activities. Please contact us for more information.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Source: cnn.com/2022/04/11/health/personality-cognitive-decline-wellness/index.html
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Advantages That Come With Aging

An article from National Geographic explores the concept that there are ways our health can improve as we grow older, if we are open to it. Michelle Feng, chief clinical officer at Executive Mental Health and a licensed psychologist specializing in geriatric psychology and medicine, explains it this way: “Everyone talks about aging as this decline, but aging is just living. It literally means you are alive.” The key may lie in how we think. Studies find that holding positive views on old age is related to better cognitive health. It may also result in fewer mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Some studies even show those who think positively about the aging process live longer. One of the ways our health may improve with age is our ability to handle stress. Experts believe the experience we gain from going through various challenges throughout our lives prepares us with tried-and-true strategies on how to better manage today’s stressful situations. Moreover, a study i...
Post a Comment
Read more

Knee Pain in Seniors

As we age, our knees take a beating. We use them to walk, stand and climb stairs, and they are used when we get up from a sitting or lying position. When our knees hurt, everyday tasks are harder to do. Chronic knee pain is often a form of arthritis that occurs when the cushioning cartilage protecting the knee joints starts to wear down. As more cartilage wears away, the space between the bones narrows resulting in bone rubbing against bone. Knee arthritis is a deteriorating condition, and in addition to pain, can cause deformities such as knock knees or bowlegs. Experts explain there are three forms of arthritis that affect the knee. The first is a degenerative joint disease called osteoarthritis; another is the autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis; and finally post-traumatic knee arthritis that happens with a history of injury or trauma. Factors increasing your risk for knee arthritis include the wear and tear that comes from age, being overweight, heredity, gender, and h...
Post a Comment
Read more

Independent and Assisted Living in Pasadena

Since our company was founded in 2003, we have believed it is a privilege to “cast a new light” on senior living guided by the following precepts: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. In addition, we firmly believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Pasadena. CA’s MorningStar community may be the place for you. MorningStar of Pasadena is designed to provide seniors with stress-free living, as we handle the maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping. This leaves you free to pursue your interests, explore new hobbies, travel and meet new friends. Our luxury community provides all the services, resort-style amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Starting with a 5-Star dining service that includes meals prepared largely...
Post a Comment
Read more