According to the analysis, people who are sociable, conscientious and positive are less likely to develop dementia.
Experts have found that certain personality traits appear to be linked to a lower risk of the condition, which affects almost a million people in the UK.
Researchers analyzed data from eight studies involving more than 44,000 people aged 49 to 81. They were followed for up to 21 years, with 1,703 people developing dementia.
The researchers looked at measures of the “big five” personality traits: conscientiousness, extroversion, openness to experience, neuroticism and agreeableness.
They also focused on well-being – for example, how satisfied people were with their lives and whether they had positive or negative attitudes.
The analysis found that people who were more conscientious – for example doing things carefully and correctly – who were sociable or had a positive attitude were less likely to develop dementia.
Experts have found that certain personality traits appear to be linked to a lower risk of the condition, which affects almost a million people in the UK (stock photo)
Some studies also found that participants who scored high on openness to new experiences, agreeableness, and life satisfaction appeared to have some form of protection against the disease.
Meanwhile, those who scored high on neuroticism and had more negative “affects” — for example, greater feelings of anger, fear, guilt, or anxiety — had a higher risk of developing dementia.
However, to scientists’ surprise, no connection could be found between these personality traits and actual changes in people’s brains after their death.
Emorie Beck, a researcher at the University of California at Davis and lead author of the study, said: “This was the most surprising result for us.”
“If personality predicts performance on cognitive tests but not pathology, what might happen?”
Personality through behavior is typically thought to be linked to risk of dementia, the team said.
Another explanation could be that some personality traits make people more resilient to damage caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s, they said (stock photo).
For example, people who score high on conscientiousness are more likely to eat well and take care of their health, which leads to better health in the long run.
Another explanation could be that some personality traits may make people more resistant to damage caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s, they said.
People with higher levels of certain traits can find ways to cope and work around their limitations, whether they are aware of it or not.
The team recommended including measurements of psychological characteristics in clinical screening or considering criteria for the diagnosis of dementia.
The results were published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
