Research Hit: Curiosity Keeps Your Brain Sharp

New research shows how different forms of curiosity change over our lives — and can help keep your brain healthy

Aren’t some people just more curious than others?

Yes, precisely, some of us are. I am, should be obvious by now, very high on what is known as trait curiosity.

What other types of curiosity are there?

Well, in this study by Mary Whately et al. of the University of California, that I am reporting on, they distinguish between trait curiosity which is general curiosity and state curiosity which is being curious and interested in one specific area i.e. when you are keen to learn and go into all sorts of details on a favourite hobby of yours.

And these help keep your brain sharp?

The link is that if we keep learning, we keep building cognitive reserve that has been shown to mitigate or postpone the effects of cognitive decline and various dementias such as Alzheimer’s.