Scientists discover key personality trait that could help your brain stay decades younger
Those who have a specific personality trait could even live longer
Lucy Devine
Research has revealed the one personality trait that could actually lead to better brain function and increased longevity.
Most of us know the basics of how to try and optimise our health - eat a balanced diet, avoid processed food, stay active and minimise drinking alcohol and smoking.
Personality traits aren't usually an obvious factor when it comes to living longer, but now, scientists have made a discovery about extroverts and those who are more engaged in socialising.
Turns out that those who have more extroverted personality traits could live longer and could have healthier brain function.
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Neurologist Professor Emily Rogalski has been heading up the Superager study since the early noughties, which aims to pinpoint characteristics of ageing.
“There’s something special about being able to live to 80 and still have the cognitive performance of a 60-year-old,” Rogalski explained to Science Focus.
A superager is someone aged 80 or older who has memory capacity of someone two to three decades younger.
“We’ve looked at lifestyle factors. We’ve looked at genetic factors. We’ve looked at brain structure, brain function. We now have superagers wearing sensors in their daily life so that we can get a better understanding of sleep, of activity, but also of social connection.
“We see that superagers are often engaged. To me, though, it’s more than extroversion. It’s curiosity, resilience and, for many, the tie that binds them is that they enjoy that connection with others.”
If you're more introverted, it's important to note that having extroverted qualities doesn't necessarily refer to people who socialise with lots of different people.
The benefits apply to those who interact with a smaller group on a regular basis, too.
Conversely, loneliness and isolation has been linked to a higher risk of developing dementia.
While studies on the exact amount vary, Alzheimer's Society explains that social isolation can increase a person’s risk of dementia by about 60 percent.
“Our brains love to be challenged. And if you think about what it takes to be socially connected, it’s actually a lot of work. I’m talking with you right now. I know you’re going to ask me another question, but I don’t know exactly what that question is going to be. And my brain gets to do a lot of mental gymnastics deciding how to answer. That’s really good for my brain," said Rogalski.
Rogalski explained that another noticeable different in superagers is that their anterior cingulate is thicker, and that they have more Economo neuron brain cells.
She added that the oldest superager in their study is an impressive 111 years old.
“I’m sure you’re conjuring in your mind what it looks like to be 111. But I’ll tell you, we celebrated her birthday and she was yelling at her daughter for not bringing the correct ingredients for her banana bread and the chocolate-covered strawberries she wanted to make for her friends. She made us homemade wine," Rogalski said.
“So this isn’t a 111-year-old who’s sitting around doing nothing. She’s quite active.”