Your personality may contribute to whether you'll have dementia
The risk of developing dementia could be associated with personality traits, a study suggests.
In a recent meta-analysis published in Alzheimer's and Dementia, researchers have uncovered a potential link between certain personality traits and the risk of developing dementia. The study, comprised of data from eight smaller studies involving 44,531 participants aged 49 to 81, sheds light on how individual traits may impact long-term cognitive health.
The investigation focused on the "big five" personality traits: agreeableness, openness, extroversion, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. Participants underwent personality assessments and postmortem brain examinations, with 1,703 individuals developing dementia over the course of the research.
READ MORE: Terrifying footage shows moment teen grabbed teacher before raping her in classroom
Participants underwent personality assessments and postmortem brain examinations to determine if there is a link between dementia and personality (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)According to Dr Joel Salinas, a clinical assistant professor of neurology at NYU Langone Health, who was not associated with the study, individuals with high levels of neuroticism and negative affect (someone who tends to have more emotions like anger, nervousness and fear) face a higher risk of dementia.
Family of great-great-gran, 83, killed by dog call for Bully breed to be banned
For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
Additionally, those with low levels of conscientiousness, extroversion, and positive affect (a personality that leans more toward positive traits like joy, enthusiasm and confidence) also exhibited an increased risk. However, the study emphasizes an association rather than direct causation between personality and dementia.
Dr Salinas told the Huffington Post: "It doesn’t [mean] that these links don’t exist, it just means that either the study was unable to find it ― because the amount of information available was limited for this part of the study ― or that some other factor explains the reason why more people had risk of dementia."
People who tend to have more emotions like anger, nervousness and fear might be at increased risk of developing dementia (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Dr Riddhi Patira from the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, who was not affiliated with the study, stressed the need for further exploration into the specific type of dementia and potential mediators associated with negative traits. She added: "And sleep is important for some drainage in the brain ... that’s important for lower inflammation and risk of Alzheimer’s. So, there might be something to that that future studies might indicate."
The research suggests that lifestyle factors may play a role in mitigating dementia risk. Positive lifestyle modifications include regular exercise, a healthy diet (such as the Mediterranean diet), sufficient sleep, and cardiovascular health management. Social support systems, engaging in mentally stimulating activities, and using protective gear during activities prone to head injuries also contribute to lowering the risk.
Dr Salinas noted: "There’s quite a lot out there in terms of things that you can do to help to reduce your risk. [Healthy lifestyle habits] just put the odds in your favor that you won’t develop these conditions, or if you do develop it, you’ll develop it later than you would have otherwise."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
