Being Open to New Experiences is Brain-Healthy

This piece, by Onno Berkan, was published on 04/15/25. The original text, by Plini et al., was published by the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience on 03/01/25.

The study focused on the personality trait "openness to experience," which describes how receptive people are to new ideas and experiences. People who score high on openness tend to be more curious and engage with various novel experiences. It is also suggested that more open people tend to be better protected against neurodegeneration. The researchers used brain imaging techniques to examine the LC and other brain regions, while also measuring participants' personality traits and intelligence using standardized tests.

The findings revealed that people with higher openness to experience had stronger structural integrity in their LC region. This relationship was stronger than any other personality trait or brain area studied. The researchers also found that higher LC integrity was associated with higher IQ scores. Notably, the LC was a bridge between openness to experience and intelligence, suggesting that this brain region helps explain why more open people display higher cognitive abilities.

The researchers propose that this connection makes sense from a biological perspective. When people encounter new experiences (which those high in openness frequently do), they activate the LC and release noradrenaline. Over time, this repeated activation through novelty exposure might help maintain the health and function of the LC, which could contribute to better cognitive performance and potentially protect against cognitive decline.

These results say a lot about how personality traits influence brain health and cognitive abilities over time. The study suggests that being more open to new experiences might not just be a personality characteristic, but could help maintain brain health through the LC system. This research provides new insights into how our personality traits influence our brain's structure and function, potentially offering clues for maintaining cognitive health as we age.

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