Well-being and Memory Connection

Memory is a cornerstone cognitive process that supports other cognitive capacities, such as reasoning and problem-solving. Finding ways to improve brain health is an important goal for research.

Researchers tracked 10,760 UK adults over the age of 50 years across a 16-year timespan. Their memory and well-being were assessed every 2 years, for a total of 9 times. Adults with dementia were excluded from the study.

Participants who reported higher psychological well-being were more likely to have higher scores on both current and future memory tests, even after adjustment for depressive symptoms. This indicates that depression has no impact on the connection between well-being and memory function.

Well-being is multidimensional, involving both emotional health such as happiness and confidence, and effective functioning, such as autonomy and sense of purpose. Those participants with the healthiest brains also reported having a greater sense of control, independence, and freedom to make choices.

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

Takeaway: This research suggests that strong well-being predates better memory and brain health, and that improving psychological well-being could create cognitive resilience and protect against cognitive decline.

Sources

Amber John, Full article: Wellbeing and memory function: testing bidirectional associations in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), June 18, 2025.

Simon Wesson, Wellbeing May Help Protect Memory in Middle Age - Neuroscience News, June 20, 2025.