Ever wondered if staying positive could do more than just lift your spirits?
Well, a major new study says it might actually help keep your memory in good shape as you grow older.
That’s right—your mindset could be playing a part in how well your brain holds on to information.
Thousands of Older Adults Took Part in a Long-Term Study
Researchers followed more than 10,000 people aged 50 and over for a whopping 16 years, beginning in 2002.
These participants were tested on their memory skills and sense of wellbeing every two years—that’s nine assessments in total.
The goal? To better understand how feeling content and mentally well might affect memory over time.
Memory and Wellbeing Went Hand in Hand
The participants’ memory was tested using a simple word recall task—they had to remember ten words right away and then again after a short break.
Alongside that, they filled out wellbeing questionnaires that asked how much control they felt over their lives, whether they felt autonomous, and how much joy or opportunity they experienced.
People who reported feeling more satisfied, empowered, and positive generally performed better on memory tests.
The link wasn’t huge, but it was consistent and statistically meaningful—even after researchers adjusted for depression and other mental health conditions.
A Meaningful Discovery, Even If the Link Is Modest
Professor Joshua Stott from University College London, one of the co-authors, emphasized how significant this finding is.
He explained that although the relationship between mood and memory was small, it still gives researchers useful insight.
“Our study adds to the growing body of knowledge about how our psychological wellbeing influences cognitive functions like memory,” he said.
More Positivity Could Lead to Healthier Habits
The study team suggested a few possible reasons why happier people might have better memories.
One theory? People with higher wellbeing may be more likely to exercise, stay social, or engage in brain-boosting activities—all of which are known to support memory.
And of course, health and lifestyle choices like diet, stress levels, and income can also play a role.
Could Memory Trouble Lead to Lower Wellbeing? Maybe, Maybe Not
Interestingly, the researchers didn’t find clear evidence that poor memory made people feel worse emotionally.
But they admitted they can’t rule it out entirely.
It’s possible the relationship goes both ways—struggling with memory might make someone feel less in control, which in turn could lower their overall wellbeing.
Dementia Prevention May Start With Mental Wellness
Emma Taylor from Alzheimer’s Research UK weighed in, reminding us that there are 14 known lifestyle and health factors tied to dementia.
These include things like a sedentary lifestyle, social disconnection, and untreated depression—all of which are closely linked to how we feel day to day.
“This study backs up the idea that staying socially and mentally engaged can help protect your memory,” she said.
“But it also shows that more research is needed before we can say if a happier outlook actually lowers the risk of dementia.”
What This Means for the Future of Brain Health Research
Dr. Emily Willroth from Washington University in St. Louis, another co-author, is hopeful about where this could lead.
She believes findings like these could inspire new strategies to help aging populations maintain cognitive health.
“There’s so much more to explore about how emotional wellbeing and memory work together,” she added.
What Can You Do Right Now?
If you’re over 50—or even if you’re not—it’s not too late to take small steps toward better mental wellbeing.
Whether it’s exercising regularly, staying connected with loved ones, finding a new hobby, or simply learning how to relax, these actions may do more than just lift your mood—they might help you stay sharp well into your later years.