The Benefits of Parenthood on Brain Function

SOURCE studyfinds.org
Becoming a parent may protect your brain as you age by increasing brain connectivity, especially in networks handling movement and sensation. Parenthood offers lasting benefits for both mothers and fathers, enriching the brain through increased physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation.

Key Points

  • Parenthood increases brain connectivity, particularly within networks responsible for physical sensations and movement
  • Having more children is associated with better brain health in later life
  • The brain areas that stay better connected in people with more children are the same areas that typically lose connectivity as people age

Pros

  • Parenthood may help counteract typical age-related changes in brain function
  • Having more children is linked to higher brain-wide connectivity, particularly in networks handling movement and sensation
  • Parenthood enriches the brain through increased physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation

Cons

  • The study focuses on biological parenthood and may not capture the reality of diverse family structures and parenting roles
  • The research sample is primarily from the UK, so findings may not apply to all cultures and family structures
  • The study does not establish long-term cause-and-effect relationships