Building This Psychological State Could Help Prevent Dementia.
- Austin Perlmutter MD
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Results from recent studies demonstrate the power of purpose.
By Austin Perlmutter, MD
When it comes to dementia prevention, the conversation typically focuses on biology—molecules like amyloid, pathways like inflammation—and interventions that target this biology, like drugs, foods, and exercise. Yet emerging research indicates that certain psychological states may significantly impact on our risk for developing brain problems. This work has implications for understanding how we can better protect our brains, and why we need to consider the bigger, more comprehensive picture for dementia.
Psychological traits and perspectives are often seen as incidental as it relates to biological outcomes. But a growing body of research indicates that we need to rethink the link. For example, a recent publication in Innovation Aging found that higher optimism was linked to an 18% lower risk of developing dementia over a multi-year period. Similarly, a 2023 publication in Alzheimer’s and Dementia found that higher levels of conscientiousness, extraversion, and positive affect were linked with better cognition, while neuroticism and negative affect were predictive of the opposite. Yet perhaps most interesting is an October 2025 article in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry showing that people reporting more purpose in life had a 28% lower risk for developing cognitive impairment, even among those with genetic risk for Alzheimer’s.
In context, many of these variables can feel like they’re simply the product of circumstance. Yet additional research demonstrates that these psychological constructs may be more consciously malleable than you think. For starters, a person’s sense of purpose may change rather dramatically on a given day. This appears to be modifiable. As an example, research suggests that setting goals and achieving them is a way to create more of a sense of purpose.
Luckily, there are several well-regarded tools available to help each of us to increase and expand our sense of purpose. Some of the top options include:
Volunteering is a wonderful way to build purpose in life, with research showing those who volunteer experiencing higher levels of purpose (by the way, it’s also linked to higher optimism)
Look for role models you admire or look up to, and consider opportunities to model aspects of your day in a similar way
Participating in spiritual or religious gatherings
Become a mentor to share your insights or skills with others
Engage in a regular practice of reflection and gratitude
Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to decide how or if we want to take steps to positively alter our psychological constructs. Yet as we look at the growing overlap between conditions like dementia and psychological perspective, an active investment in building a healthier psychological outlook should at the least be considered as a part of a holistic approach to brain health.
A version of this article appeared first on Psychology Today
In response to Kacey's comment below, it's worth reading up on BDNF. This protein encourages neuron growth and helps to keep your brain adaptable. You can naturally support BDNF with things like regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and learning new skills. There are even specific brainwaves, such as gamma waves, that help the brain stay open to positivity and also improve memory and focus. There's an excellent guide on this called The Brain Song - Also you're definitely not the only one who struggles with optimism. That's something most of us need to work on, myself included!
This has me thinking… is it possible to tap into these psychological states beyond optimism? Some days it’s really hard to feel optimistic (though I’m going to try), and I’m wondering if there’s a way to guide your brain toward these states on a daily basis.