CNN —A person’s sense of purpose declines leading up to and following a diagnosis of dementia or cognitive decline, according to a new study. “Purpose in life is the feeling that one’s life is goal-oriented and has direction. “Purpose may be an intervention target following cognitive impairment to maintain well-being and to reduce or slow emergence of behavioral symptoms associated with low purpose,” the study said. But it is critically important for everyone to maintain a sense of purpose later in life, Sutin said. “The opposite of purpose in life — apathy — is a significant problem in dementia.

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Persons: ”, Angelina Sutin, Sutin, Sam Fazio, —, Fazio, ” Fazio, “, ’ ” Fazio Organizations: CNN, JAMA, Florida State University College of Medicine, National Health, Alzheimer’s Association Locations: Tallahassee