Higher levels of wellbeing may help reduce the risk of memory loss in middle age, suggest researchers who tracked more than 10,000 individuals over age 50 across a 16-year span. They found those who said they had higher wellbeing were more likely to subsequently have better scores on memory tests.

These individuals – all of whom were determined as having ‘healthy brains’ – also reported a greater sense of control, independence, and freedom to make choices.

This association between psychological wellbeing and better recall was small but significant. The link was also independent of depressive symptoms, according to the researchers. However, the analysis found no evidence to suggest better memory was linked with later higher wellbeing, although the authors say the possibility cannot be discounted.

The results highlight that psychological and social factors affect brain health, and wellbeing may protect against cognitive impairment, the researchers said. Interventions to promote psychological wellbeing, such as mindfulness, could maintain mental functions such as memory as people age.

The analysis was based on data from 10,760 men and women who took part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing Self-reported. Participants over age 50 were assessed on wellbeing and memory every two years – a total of nine times during the 16-year study period stretching back to 2002.

Researchers used a learning task to check participants’ ability to recall 10 words immediately and after a delay. Wellbeing was assessed using a quality-of-life questionnaire. Participants scored themselves based on satisfaction of specific needs – pleasure, control, autonomy, and self-realization. Questions included ‘I can do the things that I want to do,’ and ‘I feel that life is full of opportunities.’

Results showed a small but significant association between higher wellbeing and better memory. In addition, the study found that the impact of wellbeing on memory was significant even after adjusting for depression. The authors say this suggests links between wellbeing and memory exist independent from depressive symptoms.

Biological factors such as cardiovascular disease and those linked to lifestyle – such as physical activities – are among possible reasons for the effect of wellbeing on memory, the authors said. Age, gender, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status may also have a negative or positive impact on the relationship between wellbeing and memory function.

The authors suggest that lower psychological wellbeing may be a sign of ‘oncoming cognitive impairment’ before symptoms become apparent.