Grandparenting may offer cognitive benefits and protect against dementia

Recent research suggests that grandparenting may offer significant cognitive benefits, potentially slowing brain aging and reducing the risk of dementia. Experts note that the role of caring for grandchildren can contribute to a healthier aging brain by fostering social integration and mental stimulation.

James Rilling, a psychology professor at Emory University, describes this area of study as a ‘new frontier.’ While more research is needed to fully understand how grandparenting modifies cognition, similar long-term benefits have been observed in parents, who often show greater functional connectivity in brain networks that typically weaken with age.

Flavia Chereches, a researcher at Tilburg University, explains that caring for dependents is a significant social role that provides access to essential healthy aging factors, such as staying physically active and maintaining social networks.