Forget ‘mommy brain’: Neuroscientists say parenthood could actually prevent your mind from aging

A new study reveals that having children may enhance brain function and protect against age-related decline. Research from Rutgers Health and Yale University found increased brain connectivity in parents, particularly in networks related to movement and sensation. This effect was observed in both mothers and fathers, suggesting that caregiving, not pregnancy alone, is the key factor. The study used a large dataset from the UK Biobank, analyzing brain scans of nearly 40,000 adults. Higher numbers of children correlated with improved brain connectivity. The findings indicate that parenthood might offer neuroprotective benefits later in life. This counters the common perception of "mommy brain" and its associated cognitive challenges. The results align with prior research showing similar effects in animal parents. The study provides encouraging news for parents, suggesting that raising children could positively impact brain health. This research highlights the potential long-term cognitive advantages of parenthood.