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A recent study indicates that having three or more children may contribute to a significant decline in cognitive function as parents age. By Jordan Miller, Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
When you become a parent, you might find that your mental processes aren’t as sharp as they once were. Many new mothers report increased forgetfulness, and studies reveal that this isn’t solely due to sleep deprivation. Pregnancy induces alterations in the brain, particularly a reduction in gray matter, which may facilitate bonding with the baby and adapting to motherhood. Commonly referred to as “mom brain,” the phenomenon is more intricate than it seems.
While earlier research suggested a positive relationship between parenthood and cognitive health, a recent study by researchers from the U.S. and France, published in the journal Demography, found that having three or more children, rather than two, is linked to a notable decline in cognitive function later in life. Interestingly, this cognitive burden appears to affect both mothers and fathers equally, with comparable declines observed in both genders.
The researchers examined data from adults aged 65 and older across 20 European countries and Israel, all of whom had at least two biological children. “The detrimental effect of having three or more children on cognitive functioning is significant; it equates to an additional 6.2 years of aging,” remarked Dr. Lisa Grant, one of the study’s authors.
While the study did not pinpoint the specific factors leading to this cognitive decline, researchers speculate on a few possibilities. As many parents can attest, raising children is an expensive endeavor. Each additional child raises the likelihood that a family may face financial difficulties, which can lead to increased stress for everyone involved. Furthermore, having more children may limit the time women spend in the workforce, impacting their career trajectories.
The demands of parenting also result in prolonged periods of stress and less sleep for parents, reducing their opportunities for relaxation. With limited downtime, parents may have fewer chances to engage in cognitively stimulating leisure activities that could help maintain brain function over time. Researchers did not clarify if secluding oneself in the bathroom to scroll through a phone qualifies as “cognitive stimulation” or “leisure.”
The study’s authors emphasize the necessity for further research to understand why having more children might accelerate brain aging, particularly in comparison to individuals with one or no children. This research highlights the importance of allowing individuals the freedom to make informed choices about expanding their families, particularly in light of current discussions surrounding reproductive rights in the United States.
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Summary
Research indicates that having three or more children may lead to a cognitive decline equivalent to 6.2 years of aging in parents. This effect appears to be shared by both mothers and fathers. Financial strain, stress, and reduced leisure time may contribute to this accelerated cognitive aging, underscoring the importance of reproductive choice in light of ongoing discussions about parental rights.