By Neuroscience News –
New research suggests that while general curiosity tends to decline with age, specific curiosity, or “state curiosity”, actually increases later in life, potentially protecting against cognitive decline. Older adults showed heightened interest in learning new information, especially topics related to personal interests, which may help keep the brain sharp.
The study proposes that maintaining this curiosity could counteract risks associated with dementia, as disinterest often signals early cognitive decline. These findings challenge prior beliefs and highlight the value of selective learning and engagement in healthy aging.
