Religion and Brain Shrinkage

[Hermit]

Abstract:

Despite a growing interest in the ways spiritual beliefs and practices are reflected in brain activity, there have been relatively few studies using neuroimaging data to assess potential relationships between religious factors and structural neuroanatomy. This study examined prospective relationships between religious factors and hippocampal volume change using high-resolution MRI data of a sample of 268 older adults. Religious factors assessed included life-changing religious experiences, spiritual practices, and religious group membership. Hippocampal volumes were analyzed using the GRID program, which is based on a manual point-counting method and allows for semi-automated determination of region of interest volumes. Significantly greater hippocampal atrophy was observed for participants reporting a life-changing religious experience. Significantly greater hippocampal atrophy was also observed from baseline to final assessment among born-again Protestants, Catholics, and those with no religious affiliation, compared with Protestants not identifying as born-again. These associations were not explained by psychosocial or demographic factors, or baseline cerebral volume. Hippocampal volume has been linked to clinical outcomes, such as depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease. The findings of this study indicate that hippocampal atrophy in late life may be uniquely influenced by certain types of religious factors.

[charlou]

Must be careful not to draw cart before the horse conclusions about this ... no matter how tempting that may be.

[Hermit]

Must be careful not to draw cart before the horse conclusions about this ... no matter how tempting that may be.

Indeed. This study does not support the theory that stupidity is a correlate of religiosity. It does, however, "indicate that hippocampal atrophy in late life may be uniquely influenced by certain types of religious factors".

[charlou]

I was suggesting, if it's the case at all, it may be the other way around.

[Pappa]

Or both could be the effects of an unknown factor.

[charlou]

That too.

[charlou]

I'm leaning toward culture wrt religion ... possibly, biology wrt the atrophy.


Probably need more that 268 elderly adults to be sure.