Recent research highlights the potential connection between specific personality traits and cognitive decline in later life.
Neuroticism has been linked to a heightened risk of cognitive decline.
On the other hand, conscientiousness and extraversion appear to be associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Exploring ways to potentially modify these personality traits could offer a pathway to safeguarding cognitive function.
According to recent findings published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, certain personality traits may influence the likelihood of experiencing cognitive decline as individuals age.
In particular, individuals with higher scores in the trait of neuroticism tended to show decreased cognitive function as they advanced in age.
Conversely, those with higher scores in traits like conscientiousness and extraversion appeared to experience more favorable outcomes.
The Potential Influence of Your Personality on Cognitive Function in Later Life
Dr. Tomiko Yoneda, the lead author of this study, conducted her research during her tenure as a PhD candidate at the University of Victoria, Canada. Collaborating with colleagues from Northwestern University and the University of Edinburgh, she explored the impact of three specific personality traits—conscientiousness, neuroticism, and extraversion—on how individuals’ cognitive function evolves as they age.
According to Dr. Susan T. Charles, a Professor of Psychological Science and Nursing Science at the University of California, Irvine, who was not involved in the study, individuals characterized by conscientiousness display traits such as being highly organized, industrious, and committed to completing tasks meticulously and thoughtfully.
“In essence,” Charles stated, “if you need someone to pick up a package for you or ensure you’re not left waiting at the airport, you’d opt for your most conscientious friend.”
Dr. Charles also pointed out that individuals with high extraversion scores typically lead happier lives. They tend to be more outgoing, report higher energy levels, and exhibit greater sociability. These individuals are the ones you’d want to have at your gatherings, as well as to promote your products. Their positive energy often equips them to excel in leadership roles.
Dr. Charles explained that neuroticism is closely tied to self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and emotional volatility. Individuals with this trait often exhibit heightened reactivity to stressors. For instance, if you have a friend who frequently displays a pessimistic or worrisome demeanor, they may have a high level of neuroticism, according to Dr. Charles.
To gain a deeper understanding of how these personality traits relate to cognitive decline, the researchers analyzed data from 1,954 individuals who participated in the Rush Memory and Aging Project. This study focused on older adults residing in the broader Chicago metropolitan area and northeastern Illinois.
The participants were recruited from senior housing facilities, retirement communities, and church groups, beginning in 1997 and continuing to the present day. None of them had been diagnosed with dementia at the study’s onset. Each individual underwent a personality assessment at the study’s commencement and consented to undergo an annual cognitive evaluation thereafter.
The analysis included those who had received at least two annual cognitive assessments or one assessment before their passing.
Upon scrutinizing the data, the researchers discovered that individuals who scored high in conscientiousness or low in neuroticism were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment as the study unfolded. However, extraversion did not exhibit a significant association with the development of mild cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, it was observed that individuals with high extraversion scores tended to sustain cognitive function for the longest duration.
Furthermore, the data indicated that individuals with lower neuroticism and higher extraversion scores were more inclined to regain regular cognitive function following a previous diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. The authors suggest that these personality traits may offer protection even as an individual begins to experience dementia.
Importantly, the research team did not identify any association between these personality traits and overall life expectancy.
Dr. Yoneda noted that the connection between personality traits and the risk of cognitive decline may be due to the impact of these traits on an individual’s health behaviors throughout their lifetime. She explained, “For instance, individuals with higher conscientiousness are typically less prone to engaging in risky behaviors, such as violence or drug use, and more inclined to adopt health-promoting behaviors, such as regular physical activity.”
Your Personality Traits Aren’t Set in Stone
Health experts emphasize that having a specific set of personality traits doesn’t mean you’re locked into them forever. There’s potential to modify these traits, which could contribute to preserving your cognitive function.
Dr. Yoneda explained, “Considering the current findings, in conjunction with extensive research in the field of personality, actively working on increasing conscientiousness (for example, through persistent behavior changes) is a potential strategy for promoting healthy cognitive aging.”
Dr. Charles shares this perspective and suggests that it may be achievable. She pointed out that cognitive-behavioral treatments by clinical psychologists aim to transform our thoughts and behaviors, often helping people dealing with depression or anxiety, which are among the most common affective disorders. When you consider that personality is defined as stable patterns of thoughts and behaviors, the principles from clinical psychology can be applied to modify personality traits.
To become more conscientious, she recommends reflecting on the characteristics associated with this trait: being diligent, organized, and reliable. Ask yourself questions like, “Do I know where my social security card is?” or “Is my workspace, bag, or belongings organized?” and “Am I punctual for work and social commitments?” If you find areas where you lack organization, consider working on those aspects of your life.
For enhancing extraversion, she advises focusing on elements linked to happiness, energy, and sociability. Engage with people, interact, and have enjoyable experiences with them. For instance, if you’ve had a busy workweek, make time to socialize with friends over the weekend—it’s worth the effort.
Lastly, to reduce neuroticism, she recommends addressing self-doubt and the automatic negative thoughts that can affect your self-esteem or lead to feelings of sadness and anxiety.