Parenthood Linked to Lower Cognitive Decline With Age

Research suggests the challenges of parenting may strengthen brain networks and potentially guard against age-related decline.
Parenthood Linked to Lower Cognitive Decline With Age
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Parenthood reshapes priorities, schedules, and indeed, the brain itself. While short-term brain changes in parents are well-documented, it’s unclear whether they last. Now, a study suggests that parenthood may give you a younger brain as a result of brain restructuring that safeguards against age-related cognitive decline.

Researchers of the study published in PNAS found that parents have better brain connections in areas that typically weaken with age.
Rachel Ann T. Melegrito
Rachel Ann T. Melegrito
Author
Rachel Melegrito worked as an occupational therapist, specializing in neurological cases. Melegrito also taught university courses in basic sciences and professional occupational therapy. She earned a master's degree in childhood development and education in 2019. Since 2020, Melegrito has written extensively on health topics for various publications and brands.