Lifelong Marriage Associated With Lower Risk Of Dementia, Study Finds

A new study found that continuous communication is a constant. MarriageNeuroscience News says that the risk of developing dementia is lower, especially in the middle of one’s life. reported. 

Researchers mainly from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health looked at the marital status of adult men aged 44-68. Then, they examined whether or not those men developed dementia later in life. This study used data from 150,000 Norwegians, who gave their consent for their personal health information to be used in research. Research showed that the highest incidence of dementia occurred in adults who were still married at the end of those years.

These results were consistent with the data showing that adults who are not married and divorced had the highest rates of dementia. Vegard Skirbekk, a researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health/FHI, stated that the study was based on her own research. “Being married can have an influence on risk factors for dementia.”

The causes of dementia are still unknown, and researchers have found a number of factors that can influence a person’s risk of developing the disease. These factors were included in the study.

At the study’s conclusion, authors “estimate that, had all participants been continuously married (and shared the same underlying somatic and mental health plus social characteristics of those who marry), 6% of the dementia cases in our study would not have occurred. This is a considerable reduction and is equivalent to the proportion of dementia cases accounted for by smoking and obesity combined, as reported by the Lancet dementia commission in 2020.”

The risk of developing dementia is also reduced by having children, according to research. Unmarried individuals surveyed had a 60% reduced risk of developing dementia if they had children.

Asta Håberg, a doctor at St. Olav’s Hospital and professor at NTNU, as well as a researcher at NIPH/FHI, commented on the study’s findings as they pertained to having children.

“Some people have theorized that if you have children, you stay more cognitively engaged. For example, you have to deal with people and participate in activities that you wouldn’t otherwise have to. This stimulates your brain so that it possibly works better. That way you build up a kind of cognitive reserve,” Håberg said.

“Cognitive reserves” While they aren’t physically visible in the brains, scientists know there are many things that can build cognitive reserves. These resources help to prevent dementia. Håberg notes that education is another factor that builds up cognitive reserves.

The study is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health funded research project REFAWOR (Cognitive Reserve Work and Family). The project seeks to study the relationship between lifestyle and developing cognitive diseases, like Alzheimer’s and dementia, amidst the pressing reality of The population is aging In the decades ahead.

The causes of dementia, which leads to declines in memory and cognitive function, are still not known. The study led scientists to explore more avenues to understand the causes of dementia and to find ways to prevent it.

Håberg sees this study as an exciting opportunity to further investigate the effects that having children has on dementia. Skirbekk also sees additional opportunities to understand the role of genetics in the development of dementia. He believes that “certain genes increase the risk of dementia,” But it has been found that these people may not get cognitive diseases.

Skirbekk freely admits that the study doesn’t address dementia biology. However, “it shows that being married can have an influence on risk factors. You become more cognitively active, you cope better with adversity and are less subject to stress. The partner represents a security that provides a buffer.”