Having children might affect your chances of getting dementia, but the link isn’t totally clear yet. Some studies suggest that people who have kids, especially more than one, could have a lower risk of dementia later in life[3]. This could be because raising children keeps your brain active and socially engaged, which are good for brain health.
However, it’s not just about having kids. How you take care of yourself matters too. Things like eating well, exercising, not smoking, and keeping your mind active are all important for lowering dementia risk[3]. These habits can help whether you have children or not.
For women, pregnancy might play a role. Some research shows that women who’ve been pregnant, especially multiple times, might have a slightly lower chance of getting dementia[11]. But scientists aren’t sure exactly why this happens.
It’s worth noting that having kids isn’t the only way to keep your brain healthy. Staying socially connected, learning new things, and staying physically active are all good for your brain, even if you don’t have children[3].
Remember, genetics also play a part in dementia risk. While most types of dementia aren’t directly inherited, having a family history can increase your chances[3]. But even if dementia runs in your family, your lifestyle choices can still make a big difference.
In the end, whether you have kids or not, the best way to lower your risk of dementia is to take care of your overall health. This means eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, keeping your mind engaged, and managing other health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes[3][11].
So, while having children might have some effect on dementia risk, it’s just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. The most important thing is to live a healthy lifestyle, stay socially connected, and keep your brain active throughout your life.
