Personality And Cognitive Resilience To Accelerated Epigenetic Aging
Our bodies age at different rates, and scientists can now measure this biological age using “epigenetic clocks,” which look at chemical changes on our DNA. When these clocks tick faster than our chronological age, it’s called accelerated epigenetic aging, and it’s often linked to a higher risk of health problems, including a decline in brain function. However, some people seem to maintain sharp minds even when their biological age suggests otherwise. This ability is known as cognitive resilience. Recent research explores how our individual personality traits might play a role in this resilience. For instance, traits like conscientiousness, which involves being organized and disciplined, have been linked to healthier aging patterns. It’s possible that these traits encourage behaviors that protect our brains, or they might directly influence the biological processes that govern how our bodies and minds age. Understanding these connections could open new avenues for promoting brain health as we get older, suggesting that nurturing certain aspects of our personality might be a key to staying mentally sharp.
Source: link to paper