Scientists say developing this everyday habit is key to cutting Alzheimer’s risk
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Staying curious can protect against Alzheimer’s risk
- A new study from the University of California Los Angeles suggests that fostering curiosity and eagerness to learn into old age can protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
- The study found that older adults who remained eager to learn not only kept their minds active but also protected their brains against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while a lack of curiosity could increase the risk of cognitive decline.
- Psychologist Alan Castel, a co-author of the study, noted that while general curiosity tends to decline with age, some older adults remain engaged and interested in learning.
- The study distinguished between “trait curiosity” (a person’s general level of curiosity) and “state curiosity” (momentary curiosity about a specific topic), finding that state curiosity declines in early adulthood but increases sharply after middle age.
- Researchers suggest that state curiosity increases after middle age as people retire from work and indulge specific interests, indicating that maintaining curiosity can keep individuals sharp as they age.