You may be more susceptible to dementia if you're married. Here’s why

Worldwide, someone develops dementia every three seconds.

In 2020, 55 million people were living with dementia. Worse still, Alzheimer’s Disease International estimated that this number would almost double every 20 years, meaning that number could reach 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.

Married people are at greater risk of developing dementia

Now research has revealed that if you’re married or widowed, you may be more susceptible to developing dementia than your unmarried and divorced peers.

The research, carried out by the Florida State University College of Medicine and the University of Montpellier, tracked more than 24,000 participants between the ages of 50 and 104 for up to 18 years.

All participants, who identified as married, widowed, divorced, or never married, began the study without dementia, though some did have mild cognitive impairment.

Over the course of the study, each participant received annual neuropsychological evaluations and clinical exams.

The study concluded that 21.9% of both married and widowed participants developed dementia, Alzheimer’s or Lewy body dementia. In comparison, only 12.4% of those who had never married did. Of divorced participants, 12.8% did.

Given the long-held beliefs that marriage usually creates better health outcomes, this news may come as surprise.

Remaining social is one key lifestyle factor that could help to reduce your risk of dementia

Though the study failed to provide firm reasons why single people have a lower risk of developing dementia, if you’ve never married you’re more likely to socialise with friends and neighbours, as well as adopting other healthy behaviours.

Meanwhile, if you’re married, you may be less social and engage in fewer or lower-quality interactions with your social network.

As well as ensuring you’re socially active, there are other lifestyle changes that could help to prevent dementia.

In fact, according to The Lancet, roughly 45% of dementia cases are preventable, if 14 modifiable risk factors are addressed.

These factors are shown below. The percentage against each entry refers to the reduction in worldwide cases, if the risk were eliminated. In the UK, a 1% reduction is equivalent to 10,000 people.  

Source: Alzheimer’s Research UK

3 practical ways to reduce your dementia risk

1. Get out there

Incorporating physical exercise and becoming more social can go a long way to boosting your brain health. If you’re a bit of a homebody, try to break out of your comfort zone and find opportunities to meet and socialise with others.

If you’re physically capable, kill two birds with one stone and join a sports club of some kind. It needn’t be overly exertive – a walk, golf, aqua aerobics, yoga, and even tai chi all help to get your body moving.

While yoga and tai chi may not provide the same social opportunities as laughing with others as you splash around a pool, if you’re shy and you find the right class (and attend regularly), you may be pleasantly surprised by the bonds you form.

2. Cut down on your vices

From tobacco and alcohol to bad carbs and sugar, start to cut down on the things that you enjoy but know are doing you harm.

Combined with appropriate exercise, this could help to reduce your blood pressure and perhaps drop some weight too.

3. Look after your brain

According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, 98% of us could improve our brain health.

Chances are, you’re among them.

There are countless ways to give your brain a workout. From reading books to playing cards, chess or other board games, or simply doing a daily word or number puzzle – every little thing to stretch your brain can help keep it active and firing on all cylinders.  

Alternatively, challenge yourself to do things a little differently.

For example, stand on one leg while you brush your teeth, or take a new route. Whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking, taking an unfamiliar route can activate your cortex and hippocampus.

Another idea that’s super simple is to use chopsticks.

The concentration required will also force you to eat more mindfully, which is good for your brain, digestion, and calorie consumption.

If you’re already a pro with chopsticks, make it a little trickier and use them with your non-dominant hand.

Read more: 5 scientifically proven habits that could help you stay sharp in retirement

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Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

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