Study finds enriching life experiences may ease impacts of trauma on aging brain
An Australian study suggests that building cognitive reserve through education and social engagement can help protect the aging brain from the psychological impacts of trauma. Researchers found that individuals with higher cognitive reserve maintained better cognitive function despite past traumatic experiences.
Why it matters
These findings offer actionable strategies for improving mental health and cognitive resilience in aging populations.
CANBERRA, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- An Australian study has found that developing cognitive reserve via enriching life experiences could reduce overall cognitive and psychological impacts of traumatic experiences in later life.
The study, involving 745 adults aged 50 to 86, explored the effect of traumatic events on cognitive function. Participants completed several assessments to measure their traumatic event exposure, post-traumatic stress symptoms and cognitive performance, according to a statement released recently by Australia's Adelaide University.
About 87 percent of participants reported at least one direct traumatic experience, said Sabrina Sghirripa, a researcher at Adelaide University and lead author of the study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
"However, not everyone who experiences trauma develops cognitive deficits in later life, suggesting protective factors, including cognitive reserve, may promote resilience," Sghirripa said.
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