Can Your Personality Affect Your Chances of Getting Dementia?
Scientists have been looking into whether the way we think and act might change our risk of getting dementia as we get older. It turns out, our personality might play a bigger role than we thought!
A recent study found some interesting connections between personality traits and dementia risk. People who tend to worry a lot and get stressed easily (called high neuroticism) seem to have a higher chance of developing dementia[1]. On the flip side, those who are more open to new experiences, outgoing, responsible, and agreeable might have a lower risk[1].
Why does this happen? Well, people with high neuroticism might be more sensitive to stress, which can hurt the brain over time[1]. They also might be more likely to feel anxious or depressed, which can affect memory and thinking skills[1]. On the other hand, those with more positive traits tend to stay active, socialize more, and take better care of their health – all good things for keeping the brain healthy[1].
But it’s not just about individual traits. Scientists have found that people fall into different “personality profiles” that combine various traits. Some profiles seem to be linked to a higher risk of dementia than others[1]. For example, people with a “resilient” profile (low neuroticism, high in other positive traits) had the lowest risk of developing a condition called Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome, which can lead to dementia[1].
It’s important to note that personality isn’t the only factor in dementia risk. Things like age, genetics, and overall health play big roles too[7]. And just because you have certain personality traits doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get dementia or be protected from it.
Interestingly, the link between personality and dementia risk might be different for men and women. One study found that feeling lonely was more strongly linked to dementia risk in women, while suddenly becoming lonely was a bigger risk factor for men[5].
So what can we do with this information? While we can’t completely change our personalities, understanding these connections might help doctors spot people who might be at higher risk earlier. It could also lead to new ways to prevent or slow down dementia by addressing things like stress management, social connections, and staying mentally active.
Remember, a healthy lifestyle is still one of the best ways to keep your brain sharp as you age. Eating well, exercising, staying social, and challenging your mind with new activities can all help reduce your dementia risk, no matter what your personality type!
