Brain signals about issues: Researchers have identified the risk of dementia based on mental health.

A recent study by scientists has revealed how psychological profiles can predict future risk and severity of cognitive decline, offering researchers potential ideas for preventive strategies. This unusual connection may enable doctors to identify a range of brain disorders long before they develop, ultimately saving millions of lives, according to ScienceAlert.

Researchers led by David Bartrés-Faz, a psychologist at the University of Barcelona, aimed to explore how combinations of psychological traits influence mental, cognitive, and brain health. Bartrés-Faz noted that previous studies primarily focused on individual psychological factors, which limited understanding of how they interact as a whole.

The team surveyed over 1,000 middle-aged and older adults, categorizing them into three psychological profiles based on common traits. Profile 1 exhibited low levels of protective factors such as extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and a sense of purpose in life. Profile 2 displayed a high level of negative traits, such as anxiety and depression, while Profile 3 demonstrated high protective traits with moderately low risk.

More than 500 participants underwent cognitive testing and brain MRI scans at the beginning of the study and again after 2.3 years to track changes. The results indicated that participants in Profile 1 were in the worst position, showing poor cognitive test results and significant brain atrophy over time. They also exhibited a lower resilience to brain pathologies.

Participants in Profile 2, despite being prone to anxiety and depression and having a high risk of developing dementia, surprisingly showed no significant differences in cognitive decline and cortical thickness when anxiety and depression scores were adjusted. Profile 3, with balanced psychological characteristics, generally demonstrated better cognitive outcomes and less brain atrophy.

The study also reaffirmed findings from previous research linking psychological traits such as anxiety, stress, and sense of purpose in life to cognitive decline. However, researchers caution that external factors like poverty and trauma can exacerbate these traits, and genetic predisposition may further complicate this relationship.

Based on the findings published in the journal Nature Mental Health, researchers recommend targeted therapy for different profiles. For instance, individuals in Profile 1 may benefit from therapy focused on fostering a sense of purpose, such as acceptance and commitment therapy. Meanwhile, participants in Profile 2 may respond better to therapies aimed at reducing distress. The authors emphasize that the availability of such treatment methods could help alleviate the growing social and economic burden of dementia.

According to studies by the World Health Organization (WHO), over 55 million people worldwide suffered from dementia as of 2020, and this number is projected to nearly double by 2050.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not provide advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.