Prosocial Intentions and Subsequent Cognitive Health: A Prospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Prosociality, defined as positive other-regarding intentions and behaviors, is a modifiable factor demonstrated to be associated with better mental, physical, and cognitive health in older adults. Prior studies have largely focused on individual prosocial behaviors, especially volunteering. This study examines whether prosocial intentions are associated with maintaining cognitive health over time.

Methods

Data are from 7,844 adults aged 50 or older in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. A 9-item prosocial intentions scale was derived from self-reported items assessing altruism and collectivism. Cognitive health was assessed via biennial completion of tasks related to executive function and verbal memory and incident dementia diagnosis over 11 years. Linear m

SUBMITTER: Farmer JG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11829165 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature